23 April 2024
Junior sporting clubs, primary schools and youth-based community groups will be offered a supply of water bottles by Goulburn Valley Water - to coincide with the change of season.
Building Winter Champions through Choose Tap will provide young participants in community activities with a GVW drink bottle to launch their winter on a positive note. Applications open this week and will remain open until June 1, when winter officially descends on the Goulburn Valley.
As the region’s sports administrators will know better than anyone every new season brings with it a set of associated costs - uniforms, medical supplies, insurance, referees and ground maintenance among them.
In an environment where cost of living challenges are front of mind for families Building Winter Champions through Choose Tap is designed to – at least in a small way – offset the costs associated with delivering these highly valued activities.
Managing Director Steve Capewell said the region’s appetite for winter activities provided GVW with an opportunity to contribute.
“It’s not cheap to be involved in sport. Both club officials and parents are spending large amounts of money to satisfy the participation requirements of their children in winter sports and community-based activities.
“Just about all towns in our service area will have junior sporting teams and youth groups that are feeling the pinch. If we can help out in a small way, by providing some drink bottles, then it is the least we can do.
“It will also hopefully encourage younger generations to remember the importance of staying hydrated while playing sport, and to choose tap water as their drink of choice.”
Football, netball, basketball, soccer and hockey teams, along with primary schools and the likes of Girl Guide and Scout groups are among those who could take advantage of the sponsorship offer.
In fact, any youth-based organisation – sporting or otherwise – can apply for Winter Champions through Choose Tap support. GVW will supply all successful applicants with enough water bottles for all team members.
The first of the region’s winter sporting fixtures started on Good Friday in the Picola and District and Murray football and netball leagues. Broadford, Alexandra and Yea netballers start their Outer East league seasons in mid-April, while junior footballers from the northern, central and southern regions are all preparing to start the Goulburn Murray Junior League season this weekend.
At the same time various basketball associations are transitioning from summer seasons into their winter format. Tell us your group’s name and how many water bottles you need.
Go to www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/sponsorship and click on the Building Winter Champions application link.