WattleNest sport partnership to benefit aspiring athletes
Aspiring athletes from some of Australia’s most underfunded sports finally have a reason to smile with confirmation emerging sport network WattleNest has entered a partnership with News Corp and CODE Sports to help open the doors to greater commercial opportunities.
Just days after athletes were dealt a savage blow by the Victorian Government’s decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games, comes news of a partnership to help increase athlete exposure and sponsorship as they chase dreams for the 2024 Paris Olympics and beyond.
WattleNest is a community connecting more than 160 elite athletes across a wide variety of sports – including Olympic and Paralympic medallists like Jean van der Westhuyzen, Taliqua Clancy and Melissa Tapper – with businesses around Australia.
The partnership with News Corp’s News Sports Network will increase awareness and recognition through editorial coverage of athletes and create relationship opportunities where businesses can align with future champions of sport.
WattleNest founder Rachel Condos-Fields launched her program to help athletes in non-professional sports fund their sporting dreams by creating a network of opportunities for a group of sportspeople rather than solo fundraising attempts.
“I am determined to see the funding structure for our elite athletes change – as a Nation we love sport but we have little appreciation for the financial hardship and setbacks our elite athletes face,” Condos-Fields said.
“They give back so much to the community and are role models for the next generation yet they are forced to juggle part time employment with 36 hours per week of training just to cover basic living costs.
“They are selling sausages and running fundraisers to pay for training, uniforms, competition fees, coaches, recovery regimes, travel and the list goes on.
“An official partnership with News Corp and CODE sports presents an incredible advancement to sport in this country.
“The ability for athletes of the WattleNest community to share their stories with the Nation will no doubt help us gain much needed investment from corporate Australia to support our talent.
“Affordability should not be a barrier for any Australian to represent our country in their chosen sport. This partnership is a game changer driving real social impact and much needed awareness.”
News Sports Network managing director Michael Wilkins hoped the partnership would help athletes pursue sporting success.
“As we look towards Brisbane 2032, the ability of our athletes to compete will rely on funding their training and competition. We hope this partnership will help our talent achieve their dreams,” Wilkins said.
Originally published as News Corp, CODE Sports partner with WattleNest to support aspiring athletes