2 May 2019 – MEDIA RELEASE
The Adelaide Crows won’t just be tackling the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval this Sunday – they’ll also be tackling mental health HEAD ON.
The two clubs will face off in the second annual Breakthrough Round – raising awareness about the importance of mental health research.
The round supports the South Australian-based Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, which is dedicated to creating a life free from mental illness by funding groundbreaking research to better understand what causes mental illness, how to treat it and how to prevent it from happening.
Breakthrough Ambassador and Adelaide Football Club Head of Football Brett Burton said the partnership presented a unique opportunity and while a great deal had already been achieved, there was still much more to be done especially in regards to educating people of all ages.
“Our club considers mental health to be of paramount importance and also acknowledge the role we can play raising awareness of this significant community issue, and our partnership with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is the ideal vehicle to influence social change,” Brett said.
“Through research we can better understand mental health, what causes it, and how to prevent it from happening. These issues obviously don’t just affect elite athletes but people from all walks of life.
With mental illness shaping up as the biggest health challenge of our lifetime, and one in five Australians now living with a mental health issue, Breakthrough Executive Director, John Mannion said it was time to act.
“The iconic Adelaide Oval has a capacity of 53,500, but sadly, statistically speaking, nearly 11,000 of those footy fans will be suffering from a mental health issue…this is unacceptable,” John said.
“When it comes to mental illness there are still big unknowns, but research can provide the answers to stop people from experiencing its devastating effects.
“It’s going to take a truly collective effort to achieve the research breakthroughs we so desperately need, and we’re pleased the Crows are committed to joining with us to tackle mental health head on.”
The Crows will run onto Adelaide Oval through the Breakthrough banner, before foundation Patron, His Excellency The Honourable Hieu Van Le Ac, Governor of South Australia, tosses the coin pre-match.
Help create a life free from mental illness by making a donation to Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation at breakthroughfoundation.org.au or call (08) 8204 3017.
