A Brisbane-based workforce solutions company has joined a campaign to help keep Australian athletes on the path to Olympic glory.
PeopleIN, which has headquarters in Fortitude Valley, is one of the many businesses already involved with the Aussie Athlete Fund, which aims to address the issue of many athletes needing to live in poverty in order to keep their competitive dreams alive.
Created by Olympic gold medallist Nat Cook, the Fund is running a $1 Million Challenge, where 100 businesses are paired with 100 athletes to help them raise $10,000 each to cover costs associated with their sport.
PeopleIN has been paired with Redlands teenager Hudson Brown to keep the trampolining star bouncing.
Ms Cook said Hudson, how is currently representing Australia in trampolining, has an ultimate goal to compete on home soil at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
“However, the price to participate on an international stage is steep, costing Hudson and his family more than $10,000 in airfares, accommodation, and his uniform,” Ms Cook said.
She is encouraging Australian businesses to join PeopleIN and help raise money for athletes like Hudson.
“I’m really excited to represent Australia at the World Cup in Portugal, and hopefully get all the way to the 2032 Games in Brisbane,” Hudson said.
“I’m grateful to be part of the $1 Million Challenge and so thankful to PeopleIN for partnering with me. To continue in my sport, paying to compete, travel and training costs, all adds up to a lot of money for my family.”
The 15-year-old said many people weren’t aware that for elite athletes to compete and represent Australia, they required ongoing fundraising efforts.
“Unfortunately, there are many occasions where families can’t afford the costs and the athlete can no longer pursue their Olympic dreams. Without this financial support, I wouldn’t be able to represent my country.”
Ms Cook said the Aussie Athlete Fund was established to address a pressing issue among top athletes, with data showing more than half live below the poverty line and earn less than $23,000 a year.
She said her own own experience as an Olympian, and those of her fellow elite athletes, highlighted that many sportspeople selected to represent Australia were severely hindered by a lack of financial support.
“Many talented young athletes are denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams of representing Australia because they or their families can’t afford to fund the escalating costs of living along with training and competition fees, including travel,” Ms Cook said.
“Hudson and PeopleIN are already off and racing, creating fundraising initiatives to support his sporting dreams in Portugal. Some of these efforts include a trivia night, appearing at the Cleveland Markets, and attending regular Aussie Athlete Fund events.”
PeopleIN Head of Marketing & Communications Craig Thomas said the company was thrilled to support Hudson on his journey to the World Cup and beyond.
“Our collaboration with the Aussie Athlete Fund underscores our commitment to empowering young talent and fostering a culture of Australian excellence.”
