Whether it’s with a bat, ball, racket or race car, sport has always held a special place in the hearts of Australians. As the only car company born and bred in Australia, Holden recognises this country’s love of the game and has launched the Holden Home Ground Advantage program – a $5 million dollar, 10-year grants program to support grass roots sporting clubs across the nation.
As part of the Holden Home Ground Advantage program, the pledge will see the Lion Brand donate $500,000 each year for the next decade to sports clubs nation-wide. The program will enable clubs to purchase much needed sporting equipment and invest in the development of their players, young and old.
Holden’s 230-strong dealer network will be intimately involved in Home Ground Advantage and will provide a point of contact and support within local communities for the program.
George Svigos – Holden Executive Director of Corporate Affairs – said that for a lot of Australians, sport is an integral part of growing up.
“Holden Home Ground Advantage isn’t just about upgrading clubrooms; it’s about developing Australia’s future talent, nurturing grassroots sports and creating environments that encourage teamwork and wellbeing. Like Holden, grassroots sporting clubs are an integral part of the Australian way of life.
“Sport is an enabler – it helps young kids create new friendships, while also giving them a sense of purpose and direction. We hope that Home Ground Advantage builds on the relationship Australians have with Holden by providing much needed support to sporting communities’ across Australia,” Mr Svigos said.
The money will go towards facilities improvements such as hot showers, lockers, benches, better facilities, uniforms, and purchasing new equipment.
Holden Home Ground Advantage is open to all sporting codes and clubs. Sporting clubs can apply for the grants via the Holden Home Ground Advantage website at www.holden.com.au/homegroundadvantage
Applications are now open for the first round of grants and will close at the end of February 2015.
