Calling all sports clubs: $500 worth of sporting equipment up for grabs

‘Best and Fairest’ competition to tackle sugary drinks extended to clubs across Australia

Sports organisations, clubs and recreation centres have less than a month to get their entries in for the Best and Fairest competition, and have their chance to win brand new sporting equipment.

The competition, from Rethink Sugary Drink, aims to encourage organisations to reduce sugary drink availability and make water the drink of choice.

With sugary drinks contributing the most added sugar to Australians’ diets, Rethink Sugary Drink is extending the competition to clubs all over the country.

Craig Sinclair, Head of Prevention at Cancer Council Victoria, a partner of Rethink Sugary Drink, said the competition is a great opportunity for sporting communities, big or small.

"With entries closing in just a few weeks, we’re delighted to extend the competition to all states across Australia so we can celebrate the healthy efforts sports clubs have made in the fight against obesity at a national level," Mr Sinclair said.

Mr Sinclair said the Best and Fairest competition will help highlight how limiting the availability of sugary drinks and increasing access to water at sporting venues is one small change we can make to encourage healthy choices.

Mr Sinclair acknowledged Victorian sports groups and clubs, like the Murray United Football Club in Albury Wodonga, were already leading the way in improving the overall health of members within their community.

"When Murray United Football Club stopped selling soft drinks in their club canteen they received really positive feedback. By ensuring water was prominently place in their fridges they noticed an improvement in the availability and promotion of water instead of what was previously sugary drinks," Mr Sinclair said.

"We’re challenging more sporting communities across all states to make similar changes within their venues and facilities. Just by filling out an online entry form and submitting a video explaining how your sports organisation, club or centre has reduced its sugary drink availability, you could be entering the new year with $500 worth of brand new sporting equipment."

The winner will be chosen based on criteria outlined in the competition’s terms and conditions, and will be announced on Wednesday 5 December 2018. To enter, head to rethinksugarydrink.org.au/best-fairest

About Rethink Sugary Drink: Rethink Sugary Drink is a partnership between the Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Australian Dental Association, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’ Association, Cancer Council Australia, Dental Health Services Victoria, Dental Hygienists Association of Australia, Diabetes Australia, Healthier Workplace WA, Kidney Health Australia, LiveLighter, The Mai Wiru Sugar Challenge Foundation, Nutrition Australia, Obesity Policy Coalition, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Stroke Foundation, Parents’ Voice, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the YMCA to raise awareness of the amount of sugar in sugar-sweetened beverages and encourage Australians to reduce their consumption. Visit www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au for more information.

For media enquiries please contact: Clare O’Shea – M: 0428252923 E: clare.oshea@cancervic.org.au