The following is a statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee in support of the Essendon Football Club:
The Australian Paralympic Committee has a major interest in the success of the Essendon Football Club’s vision to establish a new training and community facility being built near Melbourne Airport.
Greg Hartung, President of the Australian Paralympic Committee, said: “We are fully committed to the delivery of the new high performance and community centre for the Essendon Football Club. The centre will become the new Victorian base for the Australian Paralympic Committee and its State-based Paralympic athletes.
“Essendon Football Club and the Australian Paralympic Committee share the same vision and aspirations.
“Like ourselves, Essendon is a highly professional organisation committed to success on the field and to making a positive impact in the wider community. Since we started working closely together in 2008, our relationship with Essendon has been professional, transparent and effective.”
Mr Hartung said the APC / Essendon partnership will be instrumental in developing emerging Australian talent for the Paralympic movement and will enhance the delivery of its community-based programs.
“Both organisations have a proud history of success, and we look forward to working with Essendon to build on this success,” Mr Hartung said.
David Evans, Chairman of the Essendon Football Club, today wrote an open letter to club members, informing them that a funding submission to the Victorian Government for a new community sports and learning academy had been unsuccessful.
Mr Hartung said he hoped the outcomes of the Victorian budget would not delay the development of the project.
