Coles announces four new athletics ambassadors to inspire Little Athletes

In the lead up to Brisbane 2032, four Australian track and field champions have been announced as the new Coles Little Athletics ambassadors to inspire the next generation of Australian athletes.

The new ambassadors are world champions and Tokyo 2020 medallists Kelsey-Lee Barber (QLD – javelin) and Jaryd Clifford (VIC – middle/long distance runner), 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist and two-time Olympian Mathew Denny (QLD - discus) and 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and Australian record holder Nina Kennedy (WA - pole vault).

They join Australian athletics legend Sally Pearson and 2018 Commonwealth Games high jump champion, Brandon Starc (NSW) as Coles ambassadors and will visit Little Athletics centres, conduct coaching clinics and provide training and nutrition tips to kids across Australia.

Kelsey-Lee Barber said she was delighted to join Coles as an ambassador and to help foster a love of athletics and sport among kids in the community.

Barber enthused “I’m thrilled to be joining Coles as an athletics ambassador this season to help inspire the next generation. I know how important it is for athletes like myself to support Little Athletics so that our sport can continue to grow and thrive.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for athletics in Australia after Tokyo 2020 and with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon.”

The new ambassadors, alongside Brandon Starc, are some of Australia’s brightest prospects for gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Coles Group General Manager Corporate Affairs Sally Fielke said Coles was excited to have the four new ambassadors join the Coles Little Athletics family.

Fielke advised “Coles is delighted to bring on board Kelsey, Jaryd, Matthew and Nina to join Sally Pearson and our own team member Brandon Starc as Coles Little Athletics ambassadors this season. These inspirational Aussie athletes are excellent role models for all kids, not just little athletes, to lead healthier, happier lives.

“We’ve been proudly supporting Little Athletics for the past five years, donating over 3.6 million bananas and distributing more than $2 million in sports equipment grants to grassroots clubs and centres. Our six Coles Little Athletics ambassadors will help take our partnership with Little Athletics Australia to the next level as we look forward to Brisbane 2032.”

Coles Little Athletics Australia President Sherrie Boulter welcomed the announcement of four new ambassadors and added “we’re extremely excited that Coles has added four Australian champions of track and field, including two former little athletes in Jaryd and Nina, to their fold this year to help our sport, centres and kids grow.”

Image: Coles Ambassador Kelsey Lee Barber