Regional athletes across South Australia have been given the chance to further their sporting careers thanks to McDonald’s (SA). The organisation has awarded 13 Travel Grants – each worth $200 – to regional athletes registered with the South Australian Little Athletics Association (SALAA).
The initiative offers assistance for athletes to travel to Adelaide for competitions and was developed to help further the career of regional athletes.
McDonald’s Travel Grant recipients from Mount Gamier include Emily Pietsch, Thomas Vassallo, James Dukalskis, Jarred Johnston, Casey Donehue, Gemma Reid, Jamie McInerney and Lauren Ross.
Jonathon McBain from Nelson and Penola’s Jayne Dent and Aliza Pfitzner were also awarded travel grants allowing them to compete at the McDonald’s Multi Event Championships in Adelaide in February.
Bernie Knight from McDonald’s Mt Gambier said the organisation was committed to supporting young athletes in South Australia.
“We are very proud to be able to support young athletes from Mt Gambier and surrounding areas to fulfil their potential,” he said.
“Little Athletics is a great sport for young kids to be involved in and it is great to see that this region has developed some fine young talent. McDonald’s is dedicated to developing athletics at a grassroots level and hopes the Travel Grants will encourage more kids to get involved.”
SALAA Executive Officer, Pam Sard, said she was delighted McDonald’s had chosen to support young athletes in regional South Australia.
“The number of promising athletes is growing across the state and it’s wonderful to have McDonald’s on board to encourage them to continue their sport,” Ms Sard said.
“Without McDonald’s continual support we wouldn’t be able to offer these travel grants and some athletes in regional areas would not be able to compete.”
McDonald’s has been a major support partner of SALAA since 2005. The partnership complements other community and sports sponsorships, including the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and Football Federation South Australia (FFSA) and Zoos SA (sponsorship of its Zoomobile).
For more information please contact: Samantha Cain, Hughes Public Relations. (08) 8412 4108
