Coles, community partner of Collingwood’s Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) program, has today pledged five sport wheelchairs to support the side’s upcoming campaign.
The donation of $25,000 was announced at Collingwood’s VWFL season launch last night.
The donation will provide the team’s non-wheelchair bound disability players with access to wheelchairs at trainings and games throughout the season, allowing Collingwood to further fulfil its goal of helping people with a disability to live happy and healthier lives.
The chairs will also be accessible to school groups and other members of the community to help bring all-abilities sport to the broader community.
Since the side’s inaugural campaign in 2018, the Magpies have won two VWFL premierships in 2018 and 2021.
The reigning premiers head into season 2022 with 15 players – it’s largest squad in Collingwood VWFL history.
With participation rates increasing, the VWFL has developed a reserve team across the league.
Collingwood VWFL captain Ben Jankovski said the side is excited to get back on court and defend their title.
“The entire squad can’t wait to kick off the season this Sunday,” Jankovski said.
“We’ve been blown away with the level of interest in our program for the 2022 season which has allowed us to create the reserves side which is fabulous for both the club and the sport.”
“It’s been great to maintain our entire list from 2021 which has provided great consistency for us.
“We’ve also got some great additions to the side including Troy Hawkins from Hawthorn who has a wealth of experience in the sport and is a fabulous utility player as well as 14-year-old Judd Hughes who will make his debut for our team this season.”
Jankovski also thanked Coles for their generous contribution to the program.
“To have the support of Coles means a lot and we’re very grateful for their donation. Wheelchairs are very expensive, so this helps take the worry off our shoulders.”
Coles Corporate Affairs General Manager Sally Fielke said Coles is delighted to provide practical support to Collingwood’s VWFL team this year.
“We’re extremely proud of our community partnership with Collingwood Football Club and we’re delighted to donate five wheelchairs to support its VWFL team’s bid for back-to-back premierships,” Fielke said.
“Coles is extremely passionate about supporting accessibility and disability inclusion, be it through community sport programs like Collingwood’s wheelchair team, or by improving access to employment opportunities through partnerships like the RecruitAble pilot which we recently announced with Get Skilled Access.”
Collingwood’s VWFL side commence their 2022 campaign at 1pm this Sunday against Richmond at the Boroondara Sports Complex.
