20 April 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Alcohol, Junk Food and Gambling Top Children’s Sports Sponsorship

Research by Otago medical student Anthony Maher has found that children’s and teens’ sports are heavily sponsored by alcohol, junk food and gambling companies.

"As far as alcohol is concerned, this comes as no surprise" said Dr Viola Palmer, Chairperson of the Group Against Liquor Advertising (GALA). "We have known for quite a while that alcohol sponsorships single out youth activities and events."

The frightening thing is that there are no restrictions on this type of sponsorship. A liquor company could sponsor a kindergarten, if the public did not object.

Parents and grandparents are often disgusted to find that goal post protectors and other gear on children’s sports fields carry liquor messages. GALA has written to the Rugby Union more than once, asking them to recommend that clubs remove these obvious inducements to drink, from children’s playing fields.

Many a parent has found that encouraging their child into club sport is also an entrée into drinking.

The matter needs attention and will be reviewed when the Government gets its alcohol advertising review under way.

ENDS

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