UniSport Australia has announced the successful outcome of its sustainability initiative during the recent UniSport Nationals held in Canberra. In collaboration with Everclime, the initiative raised over $27,000 for two vital conservation projects: Forever Reef and the ACT Wildlife Centre. This initiative underscores UniSport’s commitment to hosting events that positively impact the environment and local communities.

Mark Sinderberry, CEO of UniSport Australia, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “At UniSport Australia, we are dedicated to not only fostering excellence in student sport but also ensuring our events contribute positively to the environment. The funds raised will support essential conservation efforts, showcasing the power of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges.”

Everclime’s Founder & COO, James O’Hare, expressed excitement over the initiative’s success, noting, “Working with UniSport Australia, Forever Reef, and ACT Wildlife has demonstrated the real impact we can achieve together. The funds raised will support projects like a new coral tank and various wildlife conservation efforts, making a meaningful difference.”

Through Everclime’s platform, participating students were able to select the charities they wanted to support, with UniSport donating $5 for each selection. Forever Reef will utilize the funds to restore and protect coral reef ecosystems, while ACT Wildlife Centre will develop a new enclosure for rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. ACT Wildlife President Yana DeValle expressed gratitude, stating that the contributions would significantly aid in their conservation efforts.

The initiative also benefited from the guidance of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), which included student leaders who helped shape the project’s sustainability goals. Jamie Park, a member from the University of Sydney, emphasized the rewarding nature of the experience, noting the value placed on student input in such impactful initiatives. Fellow SAC member Alex Chua from Curtin University remarked on the broader social and environmental responsibilities fostered by such projects, while Luke McBride echoed the importance of sustainability within student athletics.

As the 2024 UniSport Nationals concluded on September 13, 2024, with The University of Sydney emerging as the overall national champion, UniSport Australia is committed to continuing its leadership in integrating sustainability into student sport. This initiative marks just the beginning of their efforts to empower student-athletes as champions of environmental action.

About UniSport

UniSport Australia serves as the peak body for university sport in Australia, representing 42 member universities and over one million students. Its mission is to enhance the student experience through national intervarsity sports competitions while advocating for the value of sport in education.

Source: Participants at UniSport Nationals 2024 Raise Over $27,000 for Sustainability Projects