Ballina sports clubs urged to apply for Telstra funding
Ballina sports and community clubs have only days left to apply for a share in $1.5 million in funding for vital equipment and materials under the 2007 Telstra Assistance Fund.
For the first time in the program’s history, local AFL clubs will also be able to register for the initiative, which has seen funding increase by 600 per cent since the program’s inception in 2003.
The Telstra Assistance Fund covers football, surf lifesaving, rugby league, swimming, athletics and AFL and applications close on Wednesday 1 August 2007.
AFL star Luke Ball, swimmer Matt Welsh, footballer Marco Bresciano, discus thrower Scott Martin, ironman Zane Holmes and rugby league player Mark Gasnier have urged clubs from their respective sports to apply for the 2007 Telstra Assistance Fund.
Speaking on behalf of the group, swimmer Matt Welsh said the program would provide a major boost to Ballina clubs.
“This is a great initiative from Telstra offering invaluable support for sporting clubs in Ballina. You’d be mad not to apply. By providing a massive $1.5 million in equipment for our clubs, Telstra is helping develop Australian sport at the most fundamental level – the grass roots,” Welsh said.
Telstra continues to support a diverse range of Australia’s sporting codes at all levels, from the grass roots to the elite. The Telstra Assistance Fund provides assistance at the most fundamental level by providing much-needed equipment to junior grade and community clubs, right across the country.
The initiative is in its fifth year and has delivered over $3.5 million worth of much needed equipment to more than 2000 clubs under Telstra’s sponsorship portfolio.
Ballina clubs can find more information about the fund and apply online at www.beinvolved.telstra.com
PICTURE: A bevy of sports stars are backing the Telstra campaign.
