Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) has proudly helped launch the Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research program nationally at Parliament House in Canberra, highlighting the powerful role community sport can play in supporting veterans and their families.
LAQ CEO Christopher Davis addressed Members of Parliament, representatives from the veteran community, sporting organisations and distinguished guests at the national launch on Tuesday, 18 August.
As one of ten founding Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR), LAQ has supported the initiative since late 2025. Christopher’s address represented not only Little Athletics, but community sport more broadly, exploring the shared values that make sporting clubs a natural place for veterans to reconnect, contribute, find a renewed sense of purpose and gives real health benefits, both physical and mental.
“Sport and Defence share many of the same foundations: discipline, camaraderie, high standards and being part of something bigger than yourself,” Christopher said.
“Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, organisation and life experience to our sporting communities. In return, local clubs can provide connection, purpose and a place to belong.
“A veteran walking into a sporting club isn’t starting from scratch, they already speak our language.”
The launch also marked the beginning of GMR’s three-year national research program examining how involvement in sport can improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
The program will explore veteran participation in sport, the benefits and barriers to involvement, and opportunities for veterans to contribute through volunteering, coaching, officiating and leadership, not only as athletes. It will also develop a national engagement framework and establish ways to measure outcomes such as connection, camaraderie, purpose and wellbeing. Learn more about the research program.
LAQ is now seeking Centres and individuals interested in helping expand the Friends of GMR partnership throughout the Little Athletics community. This may include supporting future fundraising activities, helping connect veterans with local Centres or assisting LAQ in developing initiatives that bring the partnership to life.
Centres, volunteers and members who would like to be involved are encouraged to contact Little Athletics Queensland to express their interest.
