Rams win Good Sports honour
Natimuk United Football and Netball Club has won a major award for helping members stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
The Rams won a Good Sports Staying Connected Award, with officials announcing details at an awards ceremony in Melbourne.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation hosted the awards, which recognised ‘good sports’ clubs and their volunteers from across the country, who are passionate about their community and their members.
As part of the award, the Natimuk United club received $1000 for implementing creative projects such as online workouts, trivia nights and a virtual canteen fundraiser to keep members engaged and connected during the pandemic.
Club secretary Shelly Stockdale said the Rams believed staying connected during lockdowns represented an extension of the Good Sports values of creating a safe environment for members and looking out for their health and wellbeing.
“Despite a tough 2021, we feel like the club is closer than ever through our lockdown activities and winning the staying connected award has been the perfect way to celebrate our increased connection and the end of restrictions,” she said.
Victorian Community Sport Minister Ros Spence congratulated all finalists.
“Community sports are integral to Victorian communities and bring people together in so many ways,” she said.
“I congratulate Natimuk United Football and Netball Club and every incredible Victorian Good Sports awards finalist demonstrates the impact community sport has in shaping positive, life-long behaviours.”
Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Dr Erin Lalor also praised this year’s winners as community champions.
“Every Good Sports award nominee, finalist and winner should be incredibly proud of the dedication they’ve shown toward their community, members and club,” she said.
“We hope that Good Sports awards has given clubs an opportunity to reflect on their wins on and off the field, and celebrate their achievements, especially for those clubs who were affected once again by COVID-19 restrictions.”
Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program and has helped build strong community sporting clubs across Australia for more than 20 years.
In Victoria, the Federal Government funds Good Sports, which is managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
“Sporting clubs that model healthy behaviours are leaders in their community, and more than 3000 Good Sports clubs in Victoria play an important role to prevent and reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs,” Dr Lalor said.