Cats back health bid

Cats AFLW player Olivia Purcell with Opal Butcher, Bohdi Hateley and Julia Leigh. (Louisa Jones) 210019_17 (Louisa Jones) 210019_17

Geelong has become the first AFL club to team up with the Healthy Schools Achievement Program, Cancer Council Victoria has announced.

Cats AFLW 2020 best and fairest and All-Australian midfielder Olivia Purcell visited participating school Our Lady Star of the Sea on Wednesday to celebrate the partnership.

The partnership will enable schools to achieve many of the program’s milestones by participating in the Cats’ community outreach initiatives, according to Cancer Council.

Cats community development general manager Sarah Albon said the club was always trying to make a positive difference with young people.

“This unique partnership will see schools within our region embed our programs and practices and inspire kids to embrace healthy habits.”

The Healthy Schools Achievement Program operates in 65 schools in greater Geelong, in a bid to help more than 30,800 students build healthy habits.

The program encourages schools to achieve milestones in areas including physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing, safe environments and smoking, alcohol and drugs.