Decathlon Australia has teamed up with SportsBox to launch the nation’s first solar-powered smart lockers providing free sports gear on demand, breaking down cost barriers to participation, after new research from Decathlon revealed 73% of Aussies see cost as a hurdle to playing sport and exercising.
The first lockers are now live at Beth Boyd Park and Raby Esplanade Park in Redland City, Queensland, with 20 more planned across the country in the coming months, supporting healthier, more active communities.
“We know over 420,000 Queenslanders are not getting enough physical activity each week, and more than 48,000 Queensland children are getting less than one hour of physical activity each day,” said Dr Robyn Littlewood, CEO Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Australian company, SportsBox, makes it easier than ever for Aussies to access free sports gear on demand. By downloading the app, users simply find their nearest locker, select their gear and start playing. It’s a convenient, free and ready-to-go solution for all.
Smart lockers with free sports gear are rolling out across Queensland
The self-service smart lockers feature quality sports gear from leading sports retailer Decathlon, including netballs, beach volleyballs, basketballs, soccer balls and more, tailored to each location.
Backed by local councils and the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT program, more units will roll out in the coming months across Mackay, Moreton Bay, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Victoria and more.
“With 73% of Australians saying cost is a barrier to getting active, we’re excited to partner with SportsBox to make sports more affordable and accessible. Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy sport, and we hope more governments and councils across the nation follow Queensland’s lead to help build healthier, more active communities, “said Danny Sekulich, CEO of Decathlon Australia.
ABS reports that more than half (55%) of adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines
Research conducted on behalf of Decathlon, with over 1,000 respondents, revealed:
- 73.2% of Australians feel that cost is a barrier to participating in sport and exercise.
- More than a third (36.1%) say they would play more sports if equipment were easier to access
- 17.7% of Australians say their physical activity has decreased in the past 12 months.
- One in five (20%) Queensland residents said sports were too expensive to play
- Over a third of Queenslanders (34%) said they would play more sports if equipment were more accessible
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Council was pleased to be the first local government area in Australia to trial the SportsBox initiative.
“Providing free access to sports equipment is a great way to get more people involved in outdoor activity and exercise,” the Mayor said. “The SportsBox lockers are easy to use and can be accessed at any time during park opening hours, creating opportunities for spontaneous play. This initiative is a welcome addition to both parks and will complement other sport offerings across the city.”
Family playing basketball together using free sports gear provided by the new solar-powered smart lockers.
Addressing the health implications of limited exercise, Dr Littlewood explained, “Low physical activity has a direct impact on our overall health and wellbeing, including increasing our risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The development of the SportsBox product has the potential to improve access to equipment for people to be physically active, and support community engagement across Queensland, both of which can play a role in improving the health of Queenslanders.”
“More than a third of Aussies say they’d play more sport if equipment were easier to access, and we’re excited to help make that possible by providing free on-demand sports gear from Decathlon in locally placed SportsBox lockers, so now anyone can start playing anytime,” said Jodie Dunstan, Co-Founder of SportsBox.
To find a locker near you or to request a SportsBox locker in your community, visit decathlonsportsbox.com.au for more information.
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