Sporting elite roll up sleeves to launch million dollar sporting fund

Some of Australia’s sporting stars rolled up their sleeves today to deliver much needed equipment to Ingleburn Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club, thanks to Telstra.

Coinciding with the launch of the 2009 Telstra Assistance Fund, which offers local AFL, NRL, Swimming and Surf Life Saving clubs the chance to access a share in $1 million worth of sporting equipment, Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan, AFL star Scott West, Ironman Zane Holmes and Rugby League player Nathan Hindmarsh, were at Ingleburn Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club.

Rugby League player Nathan Hindmarsh said, "Today just proves how beneficial the equipment is to local clubs. I encourage all clubs, including those who have applied in the past, to apply for the chance to receive assistance.

“This is a fantastic initiative from Telstra providing local clubs across Australia with essential equipment to help promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage participation,” Hindmarsh added.

“Our local sports and community clubs play a critical role in so many people’s lives, from the grass roots level to helping develop and support our future sports stars. All clubs involved in AFL, Swimming, Rugby League and Surf Life Saving are invited to apply for their share of the fund,” Hindmarsh said.

The Fund has already contributed over $6 million worth of sporting equipment to more than 5000 AFL, NRL, Swimming and Surf Life Saving clubs nationally, since its inception in 2003.

Sports and community clubs can find more information about the 2009 Telstra Assistance Fund and apply online at www.telstra.com/beinvolved. Clubs that have registered for the fund in previous years are also eligible to apply again for assistance. Applications are open until 14 June 2009.