Geelong Cats is the first AFL club to team up with the Achievement Program


Wednesday 17 June, 2020

 

The first partnership of its kind, the Healthy Schools Achievement Program and the Geelong Cats have teamed up to support the creation of healthy schools in the Geelong region.


The Healthy Schools Achievement Program is a free Victorian Government health and wellbeing program delivered by Cancer Council Victoria. The program currently operates in 65 schools in the City of Greater Geelong, helping over 30,800 students build healthy habits.


Schools that join the program are supported to achieve a series of milestones that address key health areas including physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing, safe environments, smoking, and alcohol and other drugs. Once these milestones are achieved, schools can receive Victorian Government recognition as a healthy school.


The new partnership will enable schools to achieve many of the Program’s milestones by participating in the Cats’ community outreach initiatives, Healthy Heroes (a partnership initiative by GMHBA and the Geelong Cats), Cyber Cats and Just Think, which are all geared towards supporting improved health and wellbeing.


Geelong’s General Manager of Community, Sarah Albon, said the club is always looking to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and teaming up with the Achievement Program will further enhance the work they do.


“This unique partnership will see schools within our region embed our programs and practices and inspire kids to embrace healthy habits. At the same time, schools will be achieving evidence-based milestones that are proven to enhance children’s health and wellbeing, " Ms Albon said.


Head of the Achievement Program, Tope Adepoyibi, wants to see as many schools as possible recognised by the Victorian Government for their dedication to health and wellbeing.


“By working with well-aligned programs like those created by Geelong Cats, schools have a golden opportunity to help young students establish healthy habits in a fun and engaging way,” Ms Adepoyibi said.


City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Stephanie Asher, also acknowledged the partnership.


“The best way for the City of Greater Geelong to deliver the Achievement Program to primary and secondary schools is to collaborate. We are thrilled to support great organisations like the Geelong Cats which provide innovative health and wellbeing initiatives for schools through their community programs,” said Ms Asher.


Ms Adepoyibi said schools that work through the Achievement Program undergo a wide range of healthy changes.


“Benefits include new wellbeing polices and whole-school health education sessions as well as many opportunities for students to practise healthy behaviours such as mindfulness activities, cooking demonstrations, growing produce in the school vegetable garden, keeping fit with sporting activities and walking, riding or scooting to school.”


ENDS


Media contact
Alexandra Wilson: alexandra.wilson@cancervic.org.au