Adelaide Football Club players, led by captain Taylor Walker, are helping to tackle asthma this season.
Walker and his teammates, through the AFL Players Association’s Players Care Program, have donated $5,000 to the Asthma Foundation SA to help its ‘Tackling Asthma’ campaign.
Through the program, every AFL-listed player donates $50 from each match payment to support a charity of their choosing.
Across the season, $25 per game per player is donated to the AFL Players’ official charity partner, Ladder, to help tackle youth homelessness, while the additional $25 per game per player is contributed to the AFL Players Care fund.
$180,000 of this fund is then equally distributed among all 18 male AFL clubs each season giving each team the opportunity to support one or two charities they are passionate about.
For the Crows it’s the Asthma Foundation SA.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLAYERS CARE PROGRAM
Having suffered from asthma as a young child, Walker understands the importance of managing the debilitating condition.
This week, the Crows skipper took time out of training to give a special tour to a group from the Asthma Foundation, spending time with some young fans with asthma.
Asthma Foundation SA Chief Executive David Bedson said the support from the Adelaide Football Club playing group and from a range of high profile South Australian companies in ‘Tackling Asthma’ had been extraordinary.
According to Mr Bedson, South Australia records the highest asthma hospitalisation rates in the country and more than half of all asthma related hospitalisations are for children between 0-14 years of age.
“There is much work to be done to support families and children in better managing and understanding their condition,” he said.
“The Tackling Asthma campaign invites individuals and companies to sponsor $2 for every tackle the Adelaide Crows team makes throughout the season.
“Already more than $10,000 has been raised to support the one in nine South Australians children who suffer from asthma.”
For campaign details, tackle stats, and the updated ‘Tackle Meter’ visit: www.asthmaaustralia.org.au