Brisbane Lions star Daniel Rich says he wished there were programs like Bupa Little Lions around when he was a kid.
So it’s little wonder Rich, one of a number of emerging stars on the Lions’ list, has thrown his weight behind the launch of the Bupa Healthy Community AFL Program happening in August.
The program will see Bupa team up with AFL Queensland in supporting local junior footy players with 117 clubs across Queensland to benefit.
The football clubs will receive essential sporting equipment, including footballs and water bottles, as well as resources for children to improve their skills and make healthy lifestyle choices.
“It’s great that kids today can learn to be active and healthy through programs like this,” said Rich, as he prepares a return to AFL action against Richmond this Saturday night after an enforced lay-off.
Around 9,000 families involved in these clubs will also be invited to take part in the Bupa Family Challenge, which encourages parents and children to be more active, make healthy food choices and have fun as a family.
Bupa’s Queensland General Manager, Chris Smedley, said Bupa was proud to become the official AFL Queensland Junior Football Health Partner and promote a healthy lifestyle through football.
The company has a long-standing and successful partnership with the Brisbane Lions – highlighted by the Bupa Little Lions program.
“The program will give more kids in Queensland the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport, and stay active and healthy,” Mr Smedley said.
The new program complements the successful Bupa Little Lions initiative, which provides AFL equipment and classroom tools and resources to students in more than 125 schools in Brisbane. Now in its fifth year, Bupa Little Lions provides equipment packs valued at $500 to new schools joining in 2012.
Families taking part in the seven-day Bupa Family Challenge in August can also win two tickets to the 2012 AFL Grand Final.
To submit an entry for the challenge, closing 19 August 2012, or for more information about the Bupa Healthy Community AFL Program, visit 
http://www.bupafamilychallenge.com.au/ or https://aflq.com.au/.
