QIC Real Estate has announced an exclusive partnership with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) including, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The collaboration aims to showcase sport at all levels, fostering national pride and inspiring future athletes, volunteers, grassroots clubs, and participants of all ages within schools and the local community.

The official launch on Wednesday, 26 June at Canberra Centre, welcomed ASC’s CEO and four-time Olympic medallist Kieren Perkins OAM, QIC Real Estate’s Managing Director, Michael O’Brien, along with Australian Olympic and Paralympic champions, students from ASC’s local Sports Schools program, and special guests.

O’Brien said he was excited to be partnering with the ASC.

“It’s incredible to be announcing this partnership with the ASC especially off the back of some recent iconic sporting events, igniting our Australian spirit,” said O’Brien.

“Through this partnership, it is our goal to inspire young Australians at a grassroots level, and to also celebrate all our sporting champions, no matter your age, ability, where you’re from or what role you play in sport, and providing them with inspiration and local club connection to get involved.

“This long-term partnership with the ASC further demonstrates QIC Real Estate’s commitment to boosting physical health, mental wellbeing, social connections, and leadership development in our local communities.”

To celebrate the partnership, QIC Real Estate’s shopping centres across Australia will play host to a series of activations designed to ignite the spirit of sport and inspire all Australians to get involved.

Eight centres will host sports-themed school holidays activations from late June to mid-July. Each pop-up is unique to the individual centre, but will feature interactive activities that encourage kids to see how they stack up against their Aussie heroes and to test their athletic skills. Sports to be showcased include athletics, basketball and rowing, where participants are invited to simply have a go.

Other centres will also host sports-themed activations, featuring hero wall art and running track floor decals, further amplifying the excitement, and creating an immersive experience. Additionally, families will also have the chance to win a VIP experience for a family of four to the AIS in Canberra, valued at over $6,000.

The partnership campaign, ‘We Build Champions’, is being supported by several iconic Australian sporting legends, who will have the opportunity to engage with local communities through various in-centre appearances.

Iconic Australian athletes include Petria Thomas, Alicia Coutts, Ashley Callus, Vanessa Low, Scott Reardon, Michael Roeger and Beki Smith. Where possible, athletes have been chosen based on personal ties with the area.

The ‘We Build Champions’ campaign celebrates all community champions – players, coaches, supporters, and volunteers – emphasising the importance of participation in sports, making the effort to show up and get involved, rather than solely striving to be the country’s best.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said he was looking forward to seeing sport take centre stage at shopping centres across Australia.

“We believe that sport has a place for everyone and events like these are a great way to showcase the value and benefits of sport in a fun and interactive way,” said Perkins.

“We want more Australians involved in sport at all levels and in all roles – whether that’s as a player, coach, official or volunteer. Everyone can contribute and enjoy the benefits that being involved in sport can provide.”

“You never know, a future Australian sports star could start their sporting journey taking part in one of these activities.”

The partnership will also connect communities with their local clubs via ASC’s Get Involved digital platform. Offering a curated database of national sporting clubs and associations, the Get Involved platform encourages people to participate in sport by playing, volunteering, coaching, officiating, or supporting their local club.

This exciting partnership between ASC and QIC Real Estate not only celebrates Australian sport, but also unites communities, inspiring Australians to get active and build the champions of tomorrow.

QIC School Holiday Activation Program Schedule:
22 June – 7 July: Grand Central, Toowoomba QLD
24 June – 7 July: Hyperdome, Gold Coast QLD
24 June – 7 July: Robina Town Centre QLD
1 July – 14 July: Eastland, Melbourne VIC
1 July – 14 July: Pacific Epping, Melbourne VIC
8 July – 13 July: Woodgrove, Melbourne VIC
8 – 21 July: Canberra Centre, Canberra ACT
8 – 21 July: Castle Towers, Sydney NSW