Sporting community unites against violence
SAMMY D FOUNDATION VIOLENCE PREVENTION ROUND KICKS OFF THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF KEY SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPORTING BODIES
In a show of unity against violence, the Sammy D Foundation Violence Prevention Round has had tremendous support from influential members of the sporting world. This weekend, 28-30 June, over 30,000 players across 160 clubs across seven sporting bodies will wear a blue arm band to increase awareness about changing community attitudes toward violence.
The Sammy D Foundation formed the round in 2021 with SANFL Juniors as the statistics highlighted that while there is 1.7 million young Australians, aged between 5-14 years, participating in sport every year.
Unfortunately, Australian research shows that aggressive behaviour on the sidelines results in reduced confidence and disengagement from sport, meaning these young people then can’t enjoy the wealth of benefits to their health and wellbeing that sport brings.
- 3 in 4 children who participated in sport have been criticised for their performance. (Play By the Rules, Making Sport Inclusive, safe and fair.)
- 82% of people reported experiencing at least one form of violence when participating in community sport as a child with:
- 73% of respondents experiencing violence from their peers
- 60% by coaches and 35% byparents. (Pankowlak &Wessner, 22, Psychological, Physical and Sexual Violence Against Children in Community Sport.)
This round, is supplementary to the Sammy D Foundation education programs, of which Football South Australia (FSA) has been the beneficiary for the past 3 years- George Georganas FSA General Manager applauded the Sammy D Foundation education programs and the results of their last violence prevention round,
“Football SA was excited to partner with the Sammy D Foundation to develop and promote positive culture in our Clubs. We have seen a positive impact with improved behaviour and an improved positive environment for kids to play. The Sammy D Round was a highlight. Football SA received no reports of spectator or player behaviour across the 500 scheduled junior games.”
The Sammy D Foundation acknowledges that this round, aimed at promoting a culture of non-violence on and off the field, would not have been possible without the collaboration of our seven participating sporting codes: Football SA, SANFL Juniors, National Rugby League, Rugby Union SA, Volleyball SA and joining the round this year are Touch Football SA and Southern Football League. They are also joined by a number of SANFL league teams.
Powered by P&R Electrical and SA Power Networks, the Sammy D Foundation Violence Prevention Round is seeing its fourth year of bringing together the South Australian sporting community as they seek to end violence in our community.
Jim Micholos, Senior Commercial Manager, P&R Electrical Wholesalers Pty Ltd is excited to be part of the round once again, “Local businesses supporting local businesses builds strong communities and we at P&R are proud to continue our support of The Sammy D Foundation and this initiative.”
Anthony von der Borch, SA Power Networks, Community Partnerships and Events Manager added, “We are proud to partner with the Sammy D Foundation and support initiatives that deliver real, life-impacting change to create a safer and more inclusive community for all.”
The Sammy D Foundation Violence Prevention Round serves as a reminder that violence has no place on or off the field. Together we can say NO to violence and YES to mateship.
For more information contact
Brigid Koenig – CEO Sammy D Foundation
0467 772 464
brigid@sammyd.org.au
About The Sammy D Foundation
The Sammy D Foundation educates young people on the impacts of bullying, and drug and alcohol fuelled violence. By providing relevant age-appropriate information, knowledge and tools. The Foundation’s purpose is to end violence by connecting and empowering young people. The Foundation was created by husband-and-wife team Neil Davis and Nat Cook after their 17-year old son Sam was fatally king hit while trying to intervene in a fight at a party in 2008.
Other information: Show your support by buying a Sammy D beanie, available at Drakes Supermarkets from June 19 for a month or to donate https://fundraise.sammydfoundation.org.au/donate
Sponsors: Powered by SA Power Networks and P&R Electrical
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