Netball over the influence of alcohol promotion

Netball is one of a dozen sports to have signed up to the Federal Government’s new Be the influence: tackling binge drinking campaign, announced in Melbourne on Saturday morning by the Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon. Kate Lundy.

The Australian Government has allocated $25 million to serve as an alternative to alcohol sponsorship community sporting and cultural organisations.

Netball Australia President Noeleen Dix, Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander and Diamond athlete Julie Corletto were on hand at Olympic Park as Minister Lundy outlined details of the campaign, a key element of the government’s National Binge Drinking Strategy.

Netball and the other 11 sports are now working with the Australian National Preventative Health Agency (ANPHA) to promote the Be the influence: tackling binge drinking message.   The campaign recognises the important place of sport in Australia and the influence that many Australian sporting heroes have as role models for aspiring young sport participants.

Netball fans can expect to see the campaign messages activated during the September – October season of international netball, when the Australian Diamonds take on New Zealand, South Africa and England in the Holden Netball Quad Series.  ANPHA will also become a partner of the ANZ Championship and NetFest, netball’s mass participation event held on the Gold Coast in October each year.

ANPHA was formed by the federal government last year and has been charged with promoting healthy lifestyles, and focuses on key areas such as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption.

The other sports involved in the partnership are: Football Federation Australia, Basketball Australia, Swimming Australia, Cycling Australia, Hockey Australia, Athletics Australia, Skateboarding Australia, Volleyball Australia, Equestrian Australia, Triathalon Australia and Australian Canoeing.