James Polkinghorne has joined the movement to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of social violence, as an ambassador of ‘Team Lace Up.’
Working with Step Back Think – a not-for-profit organization to end social violence in Australia, Polkinghorne today attended Carlton Primary School to swap traditional laces for orange laces with students as part of the month-long campaign supported by the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.
Joined by fellow Bomber, Jake Long, representatives from Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria as well as local VFL and Melbourne Stars cricket players, Polkinghorne said the campaign emphasises collective action and the leading role sporting clubs can play in creating a safer society.
“I had a very good friend who nearly lost his life to social violence, so this is a campaign that is close to my heart,” Polkinghorne said.
“Social violence can start as something as simple as fights on the sporting field or in the school yard to the very serious impacts in our community of one-punch assaults.
“Already since January 2016, there have been nine social violence deaths in Australia – so you have to ask yourself, ‘is one punch worth it?’”
“We hope the small act of making the switch to wearing orange shoelaces can send a strong message that social violence is not OK.”
Step Back Think CEO, Anna O’Halloran, said there is a strong sense of community within sporting clubs that provides a platform to highlight the importance of promoting inclusion rather than violence.
"We need to reflect on our attitudes towards violence and make a shared commitment to change. Local sporting clubs are an important part of our community and they play a crucial role in connecting Australians to a common cause,” O’Halloran said.
“We’re really grateful to have James on board at Step Back Think and to have him help us share the important message for Team Lace Up.”
There’s still time to get involved for ‘Lace Up Week’ (June 20 – 26) – for more information, or to donate, head to www.teamlaceup.com.au
