The Geelong Cats are committed to contributing to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Australians, both locally and in other parts of Australia and are using this Saturday’s Round 16 game against the Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium to promote the national Close the Gap campaign.

Aboriginal Australians live on average 10-17 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians and because of this alarming statistic, the Cats have developed a local Close the Gap campaign to promote healthier lifestyles of Aboriginal people around the Barwon south west region of Victoria.

As part of the Close the Gap campaign the club has held two Gathering camps this season for Aboriginal children from Geelong and other areas of south west Victoria.

The camps were focussed on embracing cultural identity and encouraging good health and participation in sports.

Led by Mathew Stokes, the camps and also involved the club’s other Aboriginal players, Steven Motlop, Nakia Cockatoo and Zac Bates.

Artwork designed by Gathering camp participant, Taleena, will feature on this week’s banner. The banner will also feature handprints from kids involved in the Gathering camp as well as Geelong Cats junior members.

As part of the club’s Close the Gap round, the Cats will wear their Indigenous guernsey for the second time this season.