By Benjamin Millar
The Western Bulldogs have teamed up with health organisations to kick a goal for men’s health in the west.
Sons of the West is an Australia-first initiative using football as a way to stop men being left behind when it comes to healthy living.
The product of a partnership of English soccer powerhouse Liverpool, VicHealth and Macedon Ranges and North Western Melbourne Medicare Local, the 12-week program is intended to help men “live healthier, eat healthier and drop a shirt size”.
Speaking at the program’s launch last Wednesday, Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said the battle to stay healthy and happy was important as men reached middle age.
“I am part of a generation of Melbourne men who grew up in part believing that going to the football, having a pie, having a beer and sitting and watching those athletes was somehow a healthy sporting experience,” he said.
The message will be spread across the west by Bulldogs legends including Tony Liberatore (Team Maribyrnong), Brad Johnson (Team Hobsons Bay), Steve Kretiuk (Team Wyndham), Scott West (Team Brimbank) and Doug Hawkins (Team Melton).
Hawkins said if the late Ted Whitten had sought earlier treatment for prostate cancer, he might still be alive today.
“My role is to try and help these blokes get fitter, healthier and happier.”
A men’s health expo will be held at Whitten Oval from 11am-3pm this Sunday.
