In aiming to create a “place of inspiration” and a “focal point for everyone connected with the club”, the Sharks have begun fundraising efforts to build a Centre of Excellence on the site of the current Southern Grandstand.
With a target commencement date for the project set for April 2019, the Club is looking to raise funds from Federal and State Government grants as well as from contributions from members, fans and friends of the Sharks.
The Centre of Excellence project initiative goes beyond football and while it will help the Club maintain a high level of elite performance on the field, it will also be home to numerous off-field community programs.
In confirming the Club’s commitment to take the project from concept to reality, Group CEO Lyall Gorman explains that the proposed Centre of Excellence is planned to be a considerable asset not just to the Sharks but to the community in general.
“The Club is creating a place of inspiration that will become the very hub of everything we do,” Gorman said. “It will be a focal point for everyone connected with the Club, for elite athletes, both men and women, juniors on a development pathway, athletes with a disability, our indigenous community, and more.”
The Sharks Centre of Excellence will also house a newly formed Sutherland Shire Drug and Alcohol Reduction Program to collaboratively and strategically tackle this critical and escalating issue across the community.
To help this project come to fruition, Sharks fans and members are being asked to pledge $20 per month as a tax-deductible donation to help build the Centre.
In return for their contribution, they will become ‘Foundation Supporters’ and their names will be immortalised on a digital ‘Living Wall’ in the foyer of the new building, as well as in the foyer of the Leagues Club.
Visit www.sharkshaveheart.com.au to make a donation and to view ‘the Living Wall’.
