Little Athletics Queensland Co-Launches National Friends of GMR Veteran Sport Initiative

Little Athletics Queensland has assisted with the launched the national Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research program at Parliament House in Canberra.

The initiative positions Little Athletics Queensland as one of ten founding members supporting the program since late 2025. Addressing Members of Parliament, key representatives from the veteran community, and prominent sporting executives.

The official launch marks the commencement of a three-year national research program by Gallipoli Medical Research designed to examine how active involvement in sport can dramatically improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.

The  study will explore veteran participation rates, operational barriers to involvement, and structured opportunities for former service personnel to contribute through coaching, officiating, volunteering, and executive leadership.

Furthermore, the initiative will establish a robust national engagement framework to measure positive outcomes such as social connection, camaraderie, purpose, and community integration across the country.

Little Athletics Queensland CEO, Christopher Davis, highlighted the profound alignment between grassroots sporting organisations and the Australian Defence Force.

“Sport and Defence share many of the same foundations: discipline, camaraderie, high standards and being part of something bigger than yourself.”

“Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, organisation and life experience to our sporting communities. In return, local clubs can provide connection, purpose and a place to belong.”

“A veteran walking into a sporting club isn’t starting from scratch, they already speak our language,” Davis shared. 

Following the national launch, Little Athletics Queensland is actively encouraging local centres, volunteers, and regional members to participate in expanding the partnership.

Initiatives will include grassroots fundraising activities, connecting regional veterans with local athletics clubs, and developing targeted community programs that bring the alliance to life.

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