A rebranded regional sports body has outlined its new vision to support grass roots sport.
Sunshine Coast Sports was launched on Wednesday as an updated version of the Sunshine Coast Sports Federation, which was founded in 1968.
The rejuvenated group is expected to bolster community sport in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas, with the support of Council and state and federal government.
Sunshine Coast Sport has outlined a five-year strategic plan – to rebrand, attract sustained partnerships with government, business and community, enhance funding and to continue the annual Sunshine Coast Sports Awards.
Acting Chair of Sunshine Coast Sports, Aaron Flanagan, said support from all three tiers of government was incredibly important.
“Community sport has really suffered through the pandemic, and we are passionately committed to unlocking the potential of sport for our region,” he said via a press release.
“Sport matters. It is a vitally important aspect of our social fabric and research shows that the return on investment from sport is $7 for every dollar invested.”
Sunshine Coast Sports will help athletes, officials, clubs and associations.
Sunshine Coast Sport has also linked with the Australian Sports Foundation, which has helped athletes, clubs and organisations fundraise for more than 30 years.
Member for Fairfax and Special Envoy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ted O’Brien said Sunshine Coast Sports would have an important role play in the lead up to the 2032 Games in South-East Queensland.
“Elite athletes might be the ones showcased at Olympic and Paralympic Games, but there’s nothing more important than community sport played at the grassroots level,” he said.
“Local sporting initiatives such as Sunshine Coast Sports are important pieces of the puzzle in our early preparations to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The real opportunity of hosting the 2032 Games lies not in the glitz and glamour of a major event, but in the building of lasting legacies including developing the capacity and the quality of local grassroots sport.
“This Australian Government funding and the partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation is yet another vote of confidence in the strength of our region and its future potential”.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the rebranded Sunshine Coast Sports would offer a community-oriented voice that champions and supports the development of grass roots sports and participation opportunities on the Sunshine Coast.
“I am delighted that we are able to support Sport Sunshine Coast reposition itself and implement a fresh strategic plan and priorities to guide its activities,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Having a clear plan for what it is seeking to achieve for our community is what encouraged Council to commit funding towards this revitalised organisation.
“Sunshine Coast Council is providing support through the Train Sunshine Coast initiative which, in turn, is supported by the Queensland Bushfires Economic Recovery Program.
“In addition to this funding, council is providing three-years’ support to Sunshine Coast Sports through its Community Partnerships Program.”
“Our Council considers this investment an important building block in developing capacity, participation opportunities and to encouraging more active, healthy lifestyles across our community.”
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Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the re-branding of the organisation was timely.
“The vision aligns closely with Noosa Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Plan, with an emphasis on supporting the continued development and capacity of our grass roots sporting organisations,” she said.
“Given the uncertainty and challenges of the past two years, it’s important we provide adequate support to inspire local athletes and encourage as many people as possible to participate in local sport and physical activity,” Cr Stewart said.
Mr Flanagan told sunshinecoastnews.com.au the pandemic had hit the former Sunshine Coast Sports Federation hard, while community sport was curtailed. Sponsors withdrew, the annual awards lost continuity and the committee was reduced.
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Council provided funding to do a review and it was realised the group still had “an incredibly important role to play in the future of grassroots sport on the Coast”.
“It just needed to do some things for that to occur,” Mr Flanagan said.
“We had to rebrand, with a new identity and tag line, ‘shine bright’, with a new five-year plan and we’re very focused around community sport.”
Sunshine Coast Sports will represent the Sunshine Coast and Noosa council areas, unlike the former federation which included Moreton Bay and Gympie.
The annual awards are likely to be delivered virtually, replacing the function format.
To view the full Sunshine Coast Sports strategic plan please visit the website for more information, sunshinecoastsports.com.au/.
