UMPIRES WEAR BLUE TO HELP AUSTRALIANS WITH THEIR VISION
AFL and OPSM support OneSight for Round 15 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season
AFL umpires will look a little different this weekend for Round 15 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season, as they wear specially created blue uniforms to support OPSM’s charity partner OneSight, a not for profit foundation that provides essential eye care to Australians in need.
The initiative has been devised by the AFL and OPSM, the official eyecare partner of the AFL and official sponsor of the AFL umpires.
The change to blue, which is the colour of the OneSight Foundation logo, marks the first time the umpires have worn a newly created charity linked uniform in the history of the AFL.
OneSight is dedicated to improving the vision for those in need worldwide through outreach, research and education. Over the last 20 years, the Foundation has given the gift of sight to almost 8 million people around the world and over 20,000 people in Australia.
The new umpires uniforms were unveiled today by Fremantle Dockers Captain Matthew Pavlich and Sydney Swans duel Premiership player Jude Bolton, at special presentations to the umpires Nick Foot, Michael Saunders, Dean Margetts, Luke Farmer in Sydney and Perth.
Both AFL players have witnessed first-hand the positive impact of OneSight through a number of school clinics and other OneSight community programs. Pavlich, who recently took part in a OneSight school clinic in Perth, said he was proud to be a OneSight Ambassador and urged football fans to support this weekend’s campaign.
“It’s a great feeling to think we’re making sure these children get the best possible start. I strongly encourage fans to get behind the campaign this weekend and make a difference.
“By making a small donation and helping these kids with their vision, it could improve their learning and development and help them perform in all aspects of life, including sports.”
AFL General Manager Football Operations, Mark Evans, said the AFL was pleased to support the work of OneSight through the Umpiring panel.
“The AFL, in association with OPSM, is delighted to be a part of this important initiative and we hope the change in Umpires uniforms this weekend will ultimately lead to greater support for the OneSight Foundation.
“This is a chance for footy fans to get involved in this initiative at AFL matches around the country this weekend.”
To support this initiative, AFL fans are encouraged to donate to OneSight, either via the OneSight volunteer staff at key matches throughout the weekend, or online at opsm.com.au/onesight
Just $5 can help provide a vision screening to a person in need and $25 can provide them with a brand new pair of glasses, which they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.
Julie Urquhart, Director of OneSight was appreciative of the support of the AFL and OPSM in such a public way.
“We are focused on creating sustainable solutions in Australia and with the public’s support will continue to do this by running vision clinics, care and training in schools, deprived communities and in regional and remote areas of Australia,” Julie commented.
For more information on OneSight, or to learn how you can support the organisation, visit opsm.com.au/onesight.