Article by Mitchell Woodcock courtesy of the West Australian.
West Coast Fever have signed one of the biggest principal partnerships in their history as they continue to reap the benefits from winning a maiden premiership.
The Fever will announce on Friday a deal with Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill, worth $2m over four years.
Fever chief executive Simone Hansen says the will “focus on investing in the growth of local communities, championing sporting pathways and professional female athletes as well as building inclusive environments”.
“This long-term agreement with Roy Hill is very important to our club as we continue to deliver on our purpose to be the best on and beyond the court. The support we receive from sponsors, members and fans is integral to our success,” Hansen said.
“Roy Hill’s executive chairman is a big supporter of women’s sport and we are very pleased to have Roy Hill as part of the Green Army and the broader netball community in WA for the next four years.”
The deal comes just months after Fever defeated the Melbourne Vixens to win the Super Netball title in front of a record domestic netball crowd of 13,908 at RAC Arena.
Roy Hill chief executive Gerhard Veldsman said the partnership was another opportunity for the mining sector to champion women’s sport.
“When mining does well, so does West Australia and the entire country. In turn this enables us to support those who strive to represent our State on the national stage and make us all proud,” he said.
“Mrs Gina Rinehart our Executive Chairman has long been a leading supporter of women’s sport, indeed Australia’s biggest supporter, so it is very fitting we partner with West Australia’s number #1 sport for women and girls.
“Our champion netballers are outstanding role models for hundreds of thousands or more of girls and young women.
“They embrace a culture of high performance, fair play, and great teamwork – the sorts of qualities and culture we at Roy Hill enjoy and promote.”
