Published Sunday, 03 February, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Bligh’s $1.5M 3-yr Qld Roar deal sets new sponsorship standards
The Queensland Roar FC is a winner even before they take the field in Friday night’s return semi-final clash with Sydney FC at Suncorp, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“My government’s committed to a three-year $1.5 million sponsorship deal with the Roar - but there is a catch!
“In return the Roar will be ambassadors for multiculturalism in Queensland.
“As well we want them hosting an annual Roar Against Racism International match and to continue delivering their highly-successful State-wide junior coaching clinics.
“That match’s appeal is an example of how popular sporting teams can break down the barriers on issues like racism.
“Football is regarded as the ‘World Game’ and not only across the world is it played by more countries than any other sport; in Queensland it has the most ethnically-diverse participants.
“The Roar, as part of this agreement will work with the Government to influence Football Federation Australia to allocate more international matches in Queensland. With the appeal of football on the International stage, particularly in the Asian region, the Roar will play an important role in our trade portfolio, especially with visiting delegations.
The sponsorship includes a key element for the Roar to enforce its player behaviour standards.
Tens of thousands of young Queenslanders are influenced by the actions of their sporting heroes.
“From time-to-time sportspeople make mistakes. This player behaviour standard element is not the government playing a big brother role, rather it’s a reminder - as beneficiaries of public support – about acceptable behaviour.”
“This also builds on our $200,000 statewide campaign aimed at lifting the standard of behaviour at Queensland junior sporting events.
“The “True Sport Lives Here” program ensures children have fun by instilling a culture of good sports behaviour both on and off the field.
A number of Queensland sporting heroes, including the Roar’s Matt McKay, are Ambassadors of True Sport represent integrity, respect, fun, responsibility and excellence in sport.
“The Roar – by making the A-League semi finals [and hopefully the finals] have shown they are the equal of any Hyundai A-League team and we as Government want them to build on that.
“Beyond the playing field they have shown a lead when it comes to multicultural and junior development.
Already the State, via Multicultural Affairs Queensland, has teamed up with the Queensland Roar for Roar Against Racism showdowns – including an international match against the South African Premier League team, Supersport United last year.
“We want that to continue and have sought, as part of this arrangement, for the Roar to have a similar game each year in Queensland.
“This sponsorship sits well with the Roar’s existing Refugee Program - a partnership between the Roar, Education Queensland and Brisbane City Council involving six schools using football to break down barriers.
Queensland Roar in a relatively short time has shown a real international flavour with players from Korea, Brazil, Germany and Scotland in their present team.
Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“My government’s committed to a three-year $1.5 million sponsorship deal with the Roar - but there is a catch!
“In return the Roar will be ambassadors for multiculturalism in Queensland.
“As well we want them hosting an annual Roar Against Racism International match and to continue delivering their highly-successful State-wide junior coaching clinics.
“That match’s appeal is an example of how popular sporting teams can break down the barriers on issues like racism.
“Football is regarded as the ‘World Game’ and not only across the world is it played by more countries than any other sport; in Queensland it has the most ethnically-diverse participants.
“The Roar, as part of this agreement will work with the Government to influence Football Federation Australia to allocate more international matches in Queensland. With the appeal of football on the International stage, particularly in the Asian region, the Roar will play an important role in our trade portfolio, especially with visiting delegations.
The sponsorship includes a key element for the Roar to enforce its player behaviour standards.
Tens of thousands of young Queenslanders are influenced by the actions of their sporting heroes.
“From time-to-time sportspeople make mistakes. This player behaviour standard element is not the government playing a big brother role, rather it’s a reminder - as beneficiaries of public support – about acceptable behaviour.”
“This also builds on our $200,000 statewide campaign aimed at lifting the standard of behaviour at Queensland junior sporting events.
“The “True Sport Lives Here” program ensures children have fun by instilling a culture of good sports behaviour both on and off the field.
A number of Queensland sporting heroes, including the Roar’s Matt McKay, are Ambassadors of True Sport represent integrity, respect, fun, responsibility and excellence in sport.
“The Roar – by making the A-League semi finals [and hopefully the finals] have shown they are the equal of any Hyundai A-League team and we as Government want them to build on that.
“Beyond the playing field they have shown a lead when it comes to multicultural and junior development.
Already the State, via Multicultural Affairs Queensland, has teamed up with the Queensland Roar for Roar Against Racism showdowns – including an international match against the South African Premier League team, Supersport United last year.
“We want that to continue and have sought, as part of this arrangement, for the Roar to have a similar game each year in Queensland.
“This sponsorship sits well with the Roar’s existing Refugee Program - a partnership between the Roar, Education Queensland and Brisbane City Council involving six schools using football to break down barriers.
Queensland Roar in a relatively short time has shown a real international flavour with players from Korea, Brazil, Germany and Scotland in their present team.
Premier’s Office 3224 4500