NSW Sports Awards Raises Funds for Run Against Violence

Sport NSW was delighted to partner with Run Against Violence at the 2016 NSW Sports Awards held at Navarra Venue’s Curzon Hall on Thursday 23 February, 2017.

As well as celebrating the outstanding achievements of athletes, administrators and volunteers the sell-out crowd of 450 guests were invited to support Run Against Violence through the silent auction and raffle run on the night.

Run Against Violence is a 100% volunteer member association established to use running and other sporting activities as a conduit for educating and engaging communities in the prevention of family violence.

From late August this year, solo ultra-marathon runner Kirrily Dear will run 1300km over 19 days from Broken Hill to Sydney to give a voice to the often silent victims of family violence.

In introducing Run Against Violence in his opening address at the NSW Sports Awards, Sport NSW Chairperson Joseph La Posta spoke passionately about the cause.

“This is important and relevant to everyone here tonight because sporting clubs and associations can play a critical role in building and maintaining strong communities. Sporting groups have a thriving social network as well as community based activities to connect with people and who can empower action through education and encourage involvement."

“Kirrily will stop at nothing to raise awareness for her cause, and we in sport can assist. During her run Kirrily will stop at a number of sporting clubs and events to run education sessions. Please give generously tonight to this very important cause,” Mr La Posta concluded.

Family and domestic violence is increasingly being recongised as the social challenge of our time. While public conversation around the issue is building, often overlooked are the children who hear the violence or are directly targeted.

With thanks to the generosity of guests attending the 2016 NSW Sports Awards, Sport NSW has donated $2,000 to Run Against Violence to continue their work in educating and engaging communities so that together we can break the silence as well as remove the stigma and social barriers that prevent people seeking help.

To learn more about Run Against Violence, Kirrily Dear’s journey from Broken Hill to Sydney or how you can follow and support her click here or connect via facebook or twitter.