Surfing Australia Launches Surf For Life Week

Social Inclusion by having access to a mainstream activity program; •    Life changing opportunity and lasting change by linking social outcomes with program participation; and •    Health, Safety & Leadership by providing exposure to healthy lifestyle choices and skills through the sport of surfing. Surf For Life Week was officially launched last night at the Australian Surfing Awards in Manly by Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark. Surf for Life Week which will run from Feb 12 – 19 is aimed at raising awareness of the program and providing a kick start to achieving Surfing Australia’s new target of raising $200,000 so Surf for Life can help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids in 2015. “Surf for Life is not just about surfing, it creates social change by encouraging kids to attend school, make healthier choices and be confident,” Stark said. “Surfing Australia’s purpose as an organisation is to create a healthier and happier Australia through experiencing the joy of surfing for life. Surf for Life delivers on this purpose and we are excited about the prospect of helping as many underprivileged Aussie kids as we can.” The Surf for Life Project is also being supported by the Aust ralian Sports Foundation (ASF) whose mandate is to partner with organisations like Surfing Australia to help raise funds for vital projects; in particular projects that will help improve the health of the nation, build communities and strengthen our national sporting identity. “We are delighted to be partnering with Surfing Australia to raise money for Surf For Life and are proud that over 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids will enjoy the life-changing experience of catching their first wave as a result,” said Patrick Walker, Australian Sports Foundation CEO. “Study after study has shown the social benefits of participating in sport – ranging from improved educational outcomes and enhanced social skills, to benefits for physical and mental health. “Surfing Australia has been successfully changing the lives of underprivileged Aussie kids through Surf for Life for the last two years, clearly demonstrating that using sport a s a vehicle for positive social change can and does work. The program is a credit to Surfing Australia, and I urge the community to show its support and donate.” This Quiksilver Foundation and the NJ Innis Foundation have been loyal supporters of the program and in 2015 have once again kick started the fundraising by providing significant donations. The Surf for Life Week is the first of a number of promotional activities that Surfing Australia will be undertaking during 2015 to reach their target of raising $200,000 to help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids. To find out more and donate visit www.surfforlife.com.au.]]>