Used sports gear wanted

Sportsmen and women are being encouraged to give their pre-loved sports equipment a new lease of life by donating it to communities in need.

Australian health and community development not-for-profit organisation Fair Game collects donated sports equipment from schools, community sporting groups and people to redistribute it to disadvantaged communities across Australia.

Busselton volunteer Ray McMillan said he came across the organisation at a recent Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA awards night and decided to bring the initiative to Busselton.

Collection facilities in the form of blue bins have this week been installed at the Geographe Leisure Centre in Busselton and the Naturaliste Community Centre in Dunsborough.

Mr McMillian is encouraging people to donate their pre-loved sports equipment to be shipped off to kids in the Kimberley. and Pilbara.

“These sorts of venues are always the best collection points because they’re available to like-minded and fitness-minded people,” he said.

“Their gear might be worn out but not necessarily ready to go in the bin.

“Some of the places this gear goes to is so remote that even to be presented with gear that’s not new is still a major advantage to them.”

By providing sports equipment, the organisation aims to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related disease and improve mental wellbeing.

Since its inception Fair Game has distributed more than 31,000 items of sporting equipment and clothing collected from centres throughout regional and metropolitan locations.