Fortescue supports one of Australia’s most gender-equal sports

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is delighted to announce a partnership with Australia’s national women’s hockey team, the Hockeyroos. Fortescue has also announced a three-year extension to its existing support of the Kookaburras, Australia’s national men’s hockey team.

The renewed agreement extends the National Indigenous Hockey Program for a five-year term from July. Building on the success of the first five years, Fortescue and Hockey Australia will work together to grow the program beyond its initial pilot status, adding the Hockeyroos to the program alongside Kookaburras from January.

Fortescue CEO Nev Power said the National Indigenous Hockey Program had been well received by Pilbara schools.

“The program has been well received by students, teachers and the players themselves and we are committed to further growing the program’s footprint over time,” Mr Power said.

“The sponsorship of the Hockeyroos fits well with our desire to grow the indigenous program, but also to publicly demonstrate our commitment to gender equality.

“Hockey Australia pools sponsorship revenues and pays female and male athletes equally, but by signing on formally as a sponsor, we are very excited to be more directly associated with the Hockeyroos.

“Hockey is a fantastic sport for the whole family and we all love cheering on both teams when there are gold medals on the line. We are proud to be able to support both teams and the wider community through the extended relationship with Hockey Australia.”

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said, “We recognise our athletes for their ability, not their gender, and the addition of the Hockeyroos to Fortescue’s existing sponsorship portfolio is another significant marker for hockey as one of Australia’s most gender-equal sports.”

Australian Sports Commission Chair John Wylie said, “Fortescue is taking a commendable leadership stance in improving gender diversity and its sponsorship of the Hockeyroos is highly encouraging for Australian sport and business.”

Fortescue’s relationship with hockey began in June 2011 when the company partnered with Hockey Australia on the National Indigenous Hockey Program. In May 2012, Fortescue became the Kookaburras’ first corporate sponsor with the initial sponsorship agreement extended in October 2014.

As part of the arrangement, Australian athletes and coaching staff will work with Fortescue in motivational training seminars with the Fortescue team.