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The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has celebrated some of Australia’s best community sporting clubs at this year’s national Good Sports Awards, held today in Melbourne.

The Good Sports Awards recognises the strong clubs and dedicated people who are passionate about community, their members and making their club the very best it can be by building policies around alcohol management, smoking, mental health, illegal drugs and safe transport.

Tasmania’s Glenorchy Basketball Association was crowned Good Sports National Club of the Year for going above and beyond in supporting their local community, not only promoting the sport for all but also raising money to cover equipment costs and membership fees for struggling families.

“Glenorchy Basketball Association have always prioritised a safe and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their background, race or sexual orientation – and the Good Sports program helps to support us in striving towards this goal,” said Club President Rodney Graham. “Being recognised by Good Sports as the National Club of the Year Award shows us that Glenorchy Basketball Association’s ethos of inclusivity has always been a step in the right direction.”

The club’s focus on inclusivity is demonstrated by their leadership program for junior members with training on bullying, good sportsmanship, alcohol and drug harm, and nutrition – encouraging kids to live the club motto: “Respect all, fear none”, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

They have also raised over $60,000 for Ronald McDonald House, held mental health training for all members – from management right down to the juniors - and shifted drinking culture among older members to focus on healthier alternatives. Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck congratulated each of the finalists.

“Australian communities are built on local clubs and organisations that have strong and welcoming environments where locals are supported and a passion for competition is ignited,” Minister Colbeck said. “Glenorchy Basketball Association and every incredible Good Sports Awards winner and finalist have demonstrated the impact community sport has in shaping positive, life-long behaviours.”

CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Dr Erin Lalor AM praised this year’s award winners and finalists, calling them community champions. “Every Good Sports Award nominee, finalist and winner should be incredibly proud of their contribution to keeping their community safe on and off the field,” said Dr Lalor. “We hope that the Awards have given clubs an opportunity to reflect on their wins, and celebrate their achievements - especially those clubs who were affected once again by COVID-19 restrictions.”

Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program helping build strong community sporting clubs across Australia for over 20 years. Good Sports is funded nationally by the Australian Government and managed by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

“Sporting clubs that model healthy behaviours are leaders in their community, and we have over 10,000 Good Sports clubs around Australia playing an important role to prevent and reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs,” Dr Lalor explained.

Good Sports is proven to reduce risky drinking at participating clubs by 37% and has seen a reduction of alcohol-related accidents among Good Sports club members and supporters of 42%.

Good Sports clubs enjoy greater rates of participation from their communities, particularly by women and children.

Find the full list of this year’s Good Sports Awards winners and finalists.

The 2021 national Good Sports Award winners are:

• National Club of the Year: Glenorchy Basketball Association (TAS)
• National Volunteer of the Year: Brian Richardson, West Rosebud Bowling and Croquet Club (VIC)
• Junior Club of the Year: Eagleby Giants Junior Rugby League Football Club (QLD)
• New Club of the Year: Beechworth Dragon Boat Club (VIC)
• Mental Health Award: Goodwood Saints Football Club (SA)
• Safe Transport Award: Pyramid Hill Football and Netball Club (VIC)
• Staying Connected Award: Natimuk United Football and Netball Club (VIC)

The 2021 ‘Good Sports Club of the Year’ state/territory award winners are:

• ACT: Western Districts Rugby Union Football Club
• NSW: Umina United Soccer Club NT: Federal Cricket Club
• QLD: Eagleby Giants Junior Rugby League Football Club
• SA: East Torrens Baseball Club
• TAS: Glenorchy Basketball Association
• VIC: Monash Demons All Abilities Football Club
• WA: UWA Boat Club

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or [email protected]. About the Alcohol and Drug Foundation: Celebrating over 60 years of service to the community, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is one of Australia’s leading