The Gold Coast SUNS will continue to teach young school students about good eating and exercise habits along with AFL and beach awareness skills thanks to a program funded by the Queensland Government.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson, SUNS CEO Andrew Travis and player Josh Hall visited Musgrave Hill State School today where it was announced that the Gold Coast SUNS SHINE schools program involving Year 4 students would continue into its fourth year next year.
“The Queensland Government is once again proud to be a part of this program that encourages our children to get out and active, while learning about the importance of physical activity,” Mr Dickson said.
“I am pleased to be able to announce the Queensland Government will continue our strong support of the Gold Coast SUNS’ SHINE schools program by committing $70,000 in sponsorship for 2015.”
“We believe that by providing opportunities such as these, we can work towards our goal of getting more Queenslanders, especially our children and young people, to get active more often,” he said.
Mr Dickson said the SHINE program would also help promote the government’s Get in the Game initiative to support sport and recreation at the grassroots level.
“SHINE carnival days attended by students at the SUNS’ Metricon Stadium will be promoted as Get in the Game days.
“In partnership with the AFL Gold Coast Juniors, the 2015 juniors sign on day will be promoted as a Get in the Game day and will be attended by SUNS players,” he said.
SUNS CEO, Andrew Travis said the club was delighted the SHINE program would continue to educate Gold Coast students.
“It is with a sense of pride we confirm that with the support of the Queensland Government the Gold Coast SUNS’ SHINE schools program will continue for a fourth year in 2015,” Mr Travis said.
“The SHINE schools program was established late in 2011. Back then, we were extremely proud to develop our very own, innovative stand-alone program to encourage Year 4 students across the Gold Coast to live a healthy and active lifestyle, develop an awareness of beach safety and learn how to play AFL.
“With the support of the Queensland Government, the SHINE schools program has allowed the next generation to shine and be the best they can be, with the program already delivered to more than 7,500 students and 43 schools,” he said.
Each student who participates in the free six hour program that is run over a four-week period will experience firsthand and learn about:
- Being healthy
- Being active
- Beach safety
- Playing AFL
“What makes the SHINE program unique is that it is the first of its kind delivered in a three-way partnership consisting of the Gold Coast SUNS players and staff, the City of Gold Coast life savers and the AFL Queensland game development team,” Mr Travis said.
