Words: Staff Writers

Sunshine Coast FC are teaming up with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as part of a major new partnership.

The partnership will see JDRF serve as front of shirt sponsor for Fire’s PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Senior Men’s team for the remainder of the season.

JDRF is the world’s leading not-for-profit supporter of type 1 diabetes research and have contributed significantly to major research advances over the past four decades.

Sunshine Coast FC Managing Director Noel Woodall explained the partnership will benefit both JDRF and Fire.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world, with the number of people affected by type 1 diabetes now exceeding 120,000,” Woodall said.

“Sunshine Coast FC has a high level of involvement with young people, accordingly we consider it appropriate to partner with a charity such as JDRF that works to improve the lives of young people who live with type 1 diabetes.”

As part of the partnership, Fire will host a series of fund raising and information events for JDRF throughout 2015.

JDRF Australia COO Angela McKay said the charity was very grateful for the support of Fire.

“This partnership will help JDRF to support medical research to deliver a better life for people with type 1 diabetes, and one day a cure,” she said.

“Type 1 Diabetes is not caused by a person’s diet and lifestyle choices, but a healthy lifestyle can help everyone to reach a good balance.”

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the body’s ability to produce insulin. There is currently no cure nor method of preventing the disease.

Unlike other forms of diabetes, researchers are certain that changes to dietary patterns will not stop type 1 diabetes.

JDRF Australia was recognised as the 2014 Charity of the Year in The Australian Charity Awards in recognition of JDRF’s commitment towards the Australian type 1 diabetes community and the measurable impact of their campaigns and initiatives.