OneAthletics: We are in support of the merger

OneAthletics - Uniting one sport

“Move with us. Grow with us. Unite with us.”

Australia currently has two National athletics organisations, Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia, and OneAthletics is the vision to unite our sport.

Athletics South Australia will vote in favour of the National OneAthletics merger on December 9, 2021, which will see the sport move forward and flourish under one National organisation to be known as ‘Australian Athletics’.

On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, the South Australian Athletic Board unanimously decided to support the merger, with the belief that it’s in the best interest of all athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers present, past and future.

Athletics SA President Jane Russo believes the merger is a significant change to the sport of athletics, which will provide a clear and logical pathway for athletes, coaches, and officials throughout their life in sport.

“Our clubs have made it clear that this National merger is essential for our sport to grow and thrive, it is now time to be united and for the family to come together,” she said.

“It’s about opportunities for our athletes, coaches and officials to reach their full potential.

“We need to build participation, especially amongst our young people where it’s important to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.”

The benefits and opportunities of being united will enable the sport of athletics to be stronger, more connected, attract increased investment and create savings, eliminate duplication and confusion, and move forward with an influential united voice for our sport.

Athletics SA CEO Shane Fuller said the merger would enhance the competing experience for athletes of all ages.

“Ensuring a clear pathway from Little Athletics into senior athletics will help with that transition, and encourage athletes to remain in the sport,” he said.

“We believe that athletics can become the highest participating sport in the country as a result of this merger.

“Merging at the National level is important, but it is worth noting that governance at a State level will remain consistent with current operations – this remains a National merger, rather than a State merger and we will continue to carry out the delivery of competitions and programs for the sport in SA.”

To find out more about the national merger visit, https://oneathletics.com.au/

For further information please contact:

Jane Russo, President, Athletics SA 0428 362 422

Shane Fuller, CEO, Athletics SA 0419 869 385

About Athletics South Australia

Athletics SA is the peak body for athletics in South Australia. It is a state member association of Athletics Australia and offers athletics competitions and services for athletes of a variety of ages and abilities. Competition structures cater for athletes from recreational participants, right through to elite participants. Our competition offerings cover regular track and field meets in the summer and road running, cross country running, and race walking during the winter.