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.

QIC Real Estate’s shopping centres in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba will host sports-themed activations during the school holidays where kids can test their sporting skills and see how they stack up against their Aussie heroes.

Activities include a balance beam, penalty shootout, basketball ring and rock climbing wall. There will also be craft tables, cookie decorating and colouring in competitions.

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

The current and former 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 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.

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.

QIC Real Estate Managing Director Michael 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,” Mr O’Brien said.

“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.”

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,” Mr Perkins said.

“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.

Check out the QIC school holiday activities at the dates and locations below:

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