The Gotcha4Life Foundation and the National Rugby League (NRL) today announced a new partnership for the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series.
The joint ‘One Pass At A Time’ initiative will run across both the men’s and women’s Origin games and raise much-needed awareness and funds to fuel mental fitness workshops in grassroots Rugby League clubs around the country.
With one in two Australians needing mental health support in the last three months, building mental fitness has never been more important. As sport’s biggest rivalry returns on the field, the two organisations are teaming up off it to support mental health across the Rugby League community at large.
One Pass At A Time seeks to inspire the community to take action and build mental fitness together. Fans can play their part by purchasing a Virtual One Pass for $20, $40 or $80 at onepass.gotcha4life.org and sharing their story on social media using #virtualonepass, or by donating at any 2023 Ampol State of Origin game.
Every dollar raised will help fund much needed preventative mental fitness programs and resources in grassroots clubs - changing, and potentially saving, lives.
Peter V’landys AM, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, said “We all go through difficult times in our lives. No matter how tough you are, negative thoughts can take over. It’s not a weakness to reach out but rather a strength.
"The Gotcha4Life program provides the pathways to remove this stigma. As a game we want to provide our reach and support to assist them in their fight to normalise mental health issues.”
“The One Pass At A Time initiative is more than just a fundraising campaign, it's about fostering conversation, connection and making a meaningful impact on people's lives. We encourage everyone involved in our great game to support it.”
Gus Worland, founder of the Gotcha4Life Foundation, said: “Providing access to simple and practical tools and resources to have deeper conversations to get through challenging times can help change a life, just as one pass can change a footy game.
“The team at Gotcha4Life deliver programs in schools, sports clubs and the community, which provide tools to have more meaningful conversations, so we all feel comfortable to speak up and know what questions to ask beyond the banter. To partner with the NRL through State of Origin, to talk to more people about mental fitness, is amazing. Together, we can change lives – one pass at a time.”
New South Wales Blues Captain, James Tedesco, added: “I’ve been an Ambassador for Gotcha4Life for a few years now and in that time Gus and the team have created a positive space for players to open up. It’s really important to make those conversations part of everyday life, especially for professional athletes where there’s still a lot of stigma around being open with your emotions.”
Daly Cherry-Evans, Queensland Maroons captain and Gotcha4Life Ambassador, believes in the power of building mental fitness: “During Origin games, we do everything we can to beat the other team, but the overarching message is that it’s just a game and there’s a bigger fight at hand, which is mental fitness.
"There’s still a stigma surrounding vulnerability, and showing emotion is a sign of weakness. This partnership is working to change that and hopefully destroy these stigmas in the process.”
“Physical fitness is still a huge part of my preparation for games, but my mental fitness has become just as important because I know that without a clear head, without having balance in my life, I can’t go out and perform to the best of my ability.”
For more information on the One Pass At A Time initiative or to purchase a Virtual One Pass, visit onepass.gotcha4life.org.
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