THE two Little Athletics Centre in Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace and Port Stephens Little Athletics Centre at Tomaree have received grants totalling $7700 from Coles to buy brand new sports gear thanks to funds raised through the sale of Coles’ Community Chiller Bags.

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The Port Stephens Little Athletics centres are among 316 centres across Australia to share in over $1.1 million in sports equipment grants from Coles.

Port Stephens Little Athletics’ President Bob Walkley told News Of The Area, “The $4100 grant will make a big difference to his centre, particularly their parent volunteers.

“We’ll be able to buy a new tractor that will enable our volunteers to move equipment, particularly our high jump mats from storage to the track much more efficiently and effectively,”

“This boost in funds will make a great difference to the local Little Athletics in Port Stephens, it is an investment in our kids and that is an investment in the future.” he said.

Raymond Terrace Little Athletics’ President David Summerville hopes the $3500 injection form Coles will have a positive impact on athletes and volunteers alike.

They plan to use the funds for a line marker, javelin trolley and electronic starting kit which will make the roles of volunteers less physically taxing.

Coles State General Manager Ivan Slunjski said Coles was delighted to provide grants to help the Little Athletics centres in locations such as Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.

“Thanks to our customers who have bought our range of chiller bags at Coles stores, we have provided nearly $25,000 in sports equipment grants to Little Athletics centres in the Port Hunter region and around $400,000 across New South Wales over the past 12 months to help kids lead healthier, happier lives.”

“The Raymond Terrace and Port Stephens Little Athletics Centres told us they would like to receive grants to buy a line marker, javelin trolley and tractor and we were delighted to help because we know these are an essential part of Little Athletics to support young budding athletes and parent volunteers,” he said.

Funds for the grants are raised through the sale of specially-marked chiller bags designed by nine-year-old Lachie Macdonald from Victoria and 12-year-old Charlie De Bruyn from Western Australia.

For every bag sold, 25 cents is directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund to provide sport equipment grants.

In addition to the chiller bags, Coles sells Community Bags which help to raise funds for SecondBite, Guide Dogs Australia and Clean Up Australia.

All Community Bags were designed by school children as part of a bag design competition.

By Marian SAMPSON