Lalor club wins $5000 in Blood Oath campaign

13 Jul 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 13th July 2011

Lalor Stars Junior Football Club has won $5000 as part of the Transport Accident's Commission's (TAC) latest campaign, My Blood Oath.

My Blood Oath, a campaign fronted by of the AFL's toughest personalities, coaching twins Brad and Chris Scott, reminds young men that "Your mate's life is in your hands" and pushes the road safety message through football clubs at all levels.

The campaign is supported by AFL Victoria and is the TAC's largest ever social media venture.

The Lalor club was announced today as this week's randomly selected winner after Chris West took an oath online to drive safely, and look after his mates.

Mr West, who plays in the Rusty and Unfit Football League (RUFL), nominated the Lalor Junior club because they allow his team to play on their field once a month.

For taking his oath, he has also been awarded tickets to the AFL Grand Final, and will attend the Footy Show with a friend.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Janet Dore, congratulated Mr West and Lalor for showing leadership within their community and being involved in the campaign.

"It might seem like a small thing to do, but every person who takes an oath is showing their team mates that they care about them, and that they will look after them on the road," Ms Dore said.

"We congratulate Lalor and hope they not only spend the $5000 wisely, and have a successful year on and off the field."

My Blood Oath is running primarily on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mybloodoath and hopes to reduce road trauma amongst young males, particularly in regional Victoria.

Weekly prizes of $5,000 and a grand prize of $30,000 are on offer for both the country and metropolitan clubs who make the most oaths online, thereby spreading the road safety message further.

Ms Dore said taking an oath empowers young people to speak up.

"The TAC can always make ads but we feel that it is important for young people to hear these messages from their peers," Ms Dore said.

"We want every Victorian footy player, supporter and member to visit the site and take an oath – because you must take an oath to be eligible for the prizes."

"Every year we see far too many young Victorians killed on our roads and this campaign aims to prevent such tragedies."

"My Blood Oath is capturing the attention of young men through something we know many of them love and value – their footy team.

Road trauma remains the single biggest killer of young people aged 18 to 25 in Australia and worldwide. Thirty-four men aged 18-25 have died on Victorian roads so far this year.

Overall, male fatalities increased to 220 in 2010 from 196 in 2009 – the equivalent of about 10 country footy teams.

"We know that the major factors in crashes involving young people are inexperience, deliberate risk taking and overconfidence," Ms Dore said.

"My Blood Oath puts the onus back on young drivers to make a promise to their mates that they'll look after themselves and each other – both on the footy field and on the road."

To enter, or for more details, visit www.facebook.com/mybloodoath 

For further information please contact Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262.