Get Active Australia
Tokyo, Brisbane & Covid create unique opportunity
by Jak Carroll, Strategic Sport Solutions
We have a unique opportunity to get more Australians active and playing sport so let’s not waste it!
Three major events have converged to create this unique opportunity.
Firstly, we are in the middle of a pandemic where the research shows that people who exercise and are active are less likely to be affected by Covid.
Secondly, we are basking in the communal glow of Olympic success in Tokyo. Australians have been glued to their TV sets and inspired by our athletes - with more to come at the Paralympics!
Thirdly, an Australian city is hosting the 2032 Olympics and we have a chance to build a legacy of health and fitness.
So what can we do?
Let’s run an “Active Australia” campaign that is sustained from now until 2032, which does not simply fizzle out after a year or two like some recent campaigns.
Let’s make the 23 July (the opening date of the 2032 Olympics) Active Australia day and celebrate it by running community and sporting events that encourage participation.
Let’s get federal, state and local governments working together to create opportunities to get people more active and playing sport (including social sport).
Let’s build more community infrastructure like bikeways, walking paths, skate parks, outdoor ninja warrior courses that make it easy for people to be active in their local community. This seems a better idea than building more carparks for people to be inactive!
Let’s not just have “tidy towns” but also become “active towns”.
Let’s encourage workplaces to think of innovative ways to get their employees active.
Let’s get more GPs prescribing physical activity as a positive health benefit for their patients.
Let’s not forget to embed the value of sport and physical activity for physical, mental and social health in the ethos of our schools.
Let’s get active Australia!!
Does your organisation need some help with planning or governance? Jak Carroll has extensive experience in the sport and nonprofit sectors, including consulting to organisations and conducting training sessions. If you are interested in some quick advice or having Jak work with you on your next project, please click here