Parramatta City Little Athletics Centre are still celebrating this week after they were among 72 grassroots Little Athletics Centres from across Australia announced as a successful recipient of the 2025 Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
Parramatta City Athletics received the maximum grant of $5000 to purchase a new high jump mat, which was officially unveiled by three-time Olympian and Coles ambassador Brandon Starc last week.
It was an exciting moment for the local athletes, coaches and volunteers, as the Australian high jump record holder and 2018 Commonwealth Games champion returned to his junior club.
“To receive a $5000 grant to purchase a new high jump mat was incredible for our centre, but to have Brandon Starc come out to present it made it even more special,” Parramatta City Athletics President, Cinimon Elder said.
“The new high jump mat will greatly improve safety and reduce the risk of injury for all athletes, particularly those who are just starting out.
“The mat will also allow us to run more high jump mats on training nights and weekly competitions, thus keeping our athletes engaged and motivated. Hopefully with this new high jump mat, our centre can help unearth the next Brandon Starc.”
Another local club, Winston Hills Athletics Centre, also received a grant to the tune of $1600. It will be used to upgrade the club’s javelins, high jump uprights and measuring tapes.
Coles Acting Group Corporate and Indigenous Affairs Officer Jace Armstrong said Coles is extremely proud of its long-standing partnership with Little Athletics.
“Coles’ partnership with Little Athletics is built on mutual values and goals to help kids and local communities thrive and grow,” he said.
“Since 2017, Coles has donated more than six million bananas and over $2.8 million in sports equipment grants to help kids stay fit and be active. We’re excited to play a role in fostering the next generation of Australian athletes for another three years.”
Over the past 12 months, Little Athletics Australia has seen a 16 per cent jump in participation numbers, with the biggest increase recorded in the Little Athletics Tiny Tots program for three to five-year-olds, which rose by 33 per cent.
In the past five seasons, Little Athletics has grown by more than 40 per cent to over 96,000 Aussie kids and a further 74,000 community volunteers, coaches and officials, making it one of the most participated junior sports programs in Australia.”
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.