Tokyo Olympic hopefuls give up their time to support Clean Up Australia Day 30th anniversary

With just under 150 days to go before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games kick off, Olympians and Olympic hopefuls today stepped up to help Clean Up Australia Day activities at Rodd Point.

Dual Olympic water polo player Aidan Roach together with team mate Blake Edwards were joined by 17 year old diver and Tokyo 2020 hopeful Sam Fricker, to support the local communities in Sydney's Clean Up.

Clean Up Australia Day is the largest community-based environmental event in Australia and this year celebrates its 30-year anniversary.

Roach, a London and Rio Olympian, recognised the importance of supporting local community environmental efforts in a time when the environment is in desperate need for positive action and commended Clean Up Australia Day for 30 years.

“How good it's been happening for 30 years, it’s amazing. We are very lucky to grow up in such a beautiful country and every Australian I think just wants to try and give back a little,” said Roach.

“We get a lot of support from the Government and Canada Bay (Council) and at the end of the day it’s not about giving up time, it’s just good to be down here and part of the community and helping clean up.

“There is a fair bit (of rubbish), it’s a bit surprising because it's such a beautiful area and when you get down here you see how much rubbish and in particular a lot of plastic which isn’t good for the local wildlife around,” he said.

Blake Edwards is vying for a spot at his first Olympic Games but said it was important for him to take time out from his busy training schedule to help Clean Up Australia.

“We have such a beautiful country that we live in and we all have to take responsibility in some way to do our part and keep it clean – it’s a really important initiative for us to get involved in,” Edwards said.

The 28-year-old plays for Drummoyne Water Polo Club in the OVO Australian Waterpolo League, so wanted to take time to give back to the community that has given so much to him.

“The Canada Bay Council has been really supportive of Drummoyne Water Polo Club in particular, so it is important that we do chip in,” Edwards said.

“We can’t be selfish and just ask for the support, we need to give back as well. It’s fantastic to meet the people of the community and see the young kids get involved, all the way through to come older couples – it’s fantastic and a real community vibe,” he said.

This initiative is supported by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) who are committed to providing opportunities for athletes to engage with and contribute back to the community. AIS Director Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Matti Clements, said it was fantastic to have athletes joining their local community for a worthy cause.

“Australian high performance athletes are great role models for our local communities and we are thrilled to have athletes putting their hand up to help a great cause like Clean Up Australia Day,” said Clements.

“The values of our athletes makes them great all round citizens and is the reason so many Australians can connect with our high performance athletes.

“Working with Water Polo Australia and Diving Australia we are pleased to see that Aidan, Blake and Sam have given up their time to help Clean Up Australia mark a significant milestone of 30 years of making positive change in local communities. We hope our athletes too will inspire the next generation to make their mark,” she said.

Roach commended the AIS for their support of such an initiative, recognising the importance it plays for athletes wellbeing.

“It’s really good for athletes, as sometimes we can get caught up with the day-to-day routine of training but it’s important to take time out, reflect and show a bit of gratitude to the community that supports you,” said Roach.

Welcoming Australian high performance athletes’ participation to the event, Clean Up Australia Chairman, Pip Kiernan, explained: “What started thirty years ago by my father has grown into a powerful grassroots movement and we’re excited to continue to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take positive steps that make a difference – not just on Clean Up Australia Day but all year round”.