Australians are being called upon to fire up their barbecues and rally behind the nation's next generation of sporting stars, as the Great Aussie Athlete BBQ campaign officially launches this week. This nationwide fundraising initiative aims to unite communities across Australia and around the globe in support of athletes striving for Olympic glory.
A Critical Fundraising Effort for Emerging Talent
Running over the coming months, the campaign encourages individuals, workplaces, sporting clubs, pubs, and community groups to host barbecues in various settings. All proceeds will directly benefit the Aussie Athlete Fund, which provides essential financial assistance to emerging athletes grappling with escalating costs associated with training, travel, specialised equipment, and competition fees.
The Harsh Financial Reality for Elite Athletes
Despite proudly representing Australia on international stages, many elite athletes face severe financial challenges. Recent research from the Australian Sports Foundation reveals a startling statistic: 46 percent of athletes who represent Australia live below the poverty line, earning less than $23,000 annually. Furthermore, half have contemplated abandoning their sporting careers due to the substantial expenses linked to high-performance competition.
Five-time Olympian Nat Cook OAM OLY highlighted these difficulties during a recent appearance on Sunrise. "For most of us, it costs a lot of money to train, to travel, to compete," Cook explained. She provided specific examples, noting that BMX riders often require bikes costing between $10,000 and $15,000, while paracyclists face exorbitant prices for specialised wheelchairs and equipment.
Personal Sacrifices and Financial Struggles
Cook shared her own experience of financial hardship, revealing she asked her father to mortgage their family home to cover coaching and travel expenses for the London Olympics. "After four successful Olympic campaigns, he thought that it was worth it. But it took me a long time to pay that off," she admitted.
The 38-year-old athlete also disclosed that she had no superannuation after years of balancing full-time work, study, and training commitments. "There is no financial equation there," Cook stated. "At the age of 38, I had to start that journey too."
How Australians Can Participate
The campaign offers two primary participation options for those wanting to contribute. Individuals can register as BBQ Captains and purchase the Backyard BBQ Kit for $99, which includes a Green and Gold apron, barbecue tongs and spatula, plus fundraising materials.
Businesses and corporate teams can engage through the Business BBQ Kit, priced at $999. This package is designed to help workplaces mobilise staff and clients in support of the cause. All kits are available for online purchase with direct delivery to participants, ensuring every dollar raised flows directly to the Aussie Athlete Fund.
Campaign Launch and Major Events
The inaugural Great Aussie Athlete BBQ will take place in Brisbane on Thursday, bringing together sports and corporate leaders at Post Office Square. This event, hosted by the Committee for Brisbane, will feature Cook alongside Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, former Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson, and three-time Olympic gold medallist Tracy Stockwell.
Additional significant barbecue events are planned, including one at Parliament House in Canberra, as momentum builds toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Building Support for Brisbane 2032
Committee for Brisbane chief executive Jen Williams emphasised the importance of supporting athletes as the city prepares to host the Games. "Australia is known for the strength of its athletic movement, and with the opportunity to compete at a home Games, it will be more important than ever to support our local athletes to focus on the goal ahead," she said.
"The Committee for Brisbane is delighted to support the Aussie Athlete Fund, and the support of the community will be critical in ensuring our athletes secure the funding they need to represent our country."
A Unifying National Effort
Cook expressed enthusiasm for the campaign's potential to unite Australians behind their athletes. "It's so important for all Australians to get behind our up-and-coming athletes," she said. "What better way to do that than firing up the BBQ with mates? I'm delighted with the early interest in this campaign and can't wait to see Aussies all over the country wearing their Green and Gold aprons in support of our athletes."
Anyone can host their own Great Aussie Athlete BBQ by registering online and purchasing official campaign merchandise. These collective efforts will help build a more sustainable athlete economy in Australia, ensuring future generations can pursue their sporting dreams without facing insurmountable financial barriers.
