Why Lisa Curry donated her Sydney Olympics torch
Champion swimmer Lisa Curry has made the decision to donate her Sydney Olympics torch to an organisation that promotes mental health awareness.
Fraser Coast
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A three-time Olympian has made the decision to donate her 2000 Sydney Olympic torch to a Fraser Coast organisation to help raise funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.
Champion swimmer Lisa Curry made the donation to Fraser Coast Mates this week and the torch, which she carried as part of the relay ahead of the 2000 Olympics, is set to be auctioned off in coming weeks.
“Fraser Coast Mates really resonates with me and I see the need to speak more openly about how we feel, particularly with men,” Ms Curry said.
It comes just weeks after Ms Curry urged men and others to practise more caution when near the water after a spate of drownings in Queensland.
Fraser Coast Mates promotes awareness of mental health in the local community and connects with both men and women encouraging more conversations and the courage to speak up if they are concerned how they feel.
The popular Olympian has focused her work on unique and powerful messages about personal success, overcoming obstacles, discipline, determination, weight loss, regaining your health and getting the best out of people.
She has personally signed the Olympic torch with a message “Be the best you can be!”.
Fraser Coast Mates president Darren Bosley said the genuine support from Ms Curry had provided great motivation for the committee to continue with its work.
“While this gift from Lisa is an amazing gesture that will provide important funds towards counselling support in the local community, her genuine care for our community and support for mental health awareness is why we have so much respect for her,” he said.
“She’s a true Australian that understands the meaning of ‘mates’ and we are so lucky to have her as a supporter.”
The swimmer competed in three Olympics, two World Championships and three Commonwealth Games.
In her final appearance, she represented Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as a 30-year-old mother of two.
Her donation to Fraser Coast Mates will be auctioned online from May 1 by Winter Auctions.
Auctioneer Craig Winter said it was a highly anticipated auction item.
“This is one of the most unique and sought after items we’ve auctioned in recent years”, Mr Winter said.
“There will be huge interest from around the country and beyond, but I fully expect it to fall into the hands of an Australian sports enthusiast.”
Fraser Coast Mates was formed almost eight years ago through the tragic loss of a local popular community identity.
The group was formed to provide a better understanding to the community of mental health and provided urgent counselling services for those who took the step to seek help.
Ms Curry connected with the group in 2022 as a guest speaker and has provided continued support with their messaging and promotions since that time.
Her husband, Mark Andrew Tabone, has also supported the group with a number of fundraising nights performing his nationally recognised Legends Showcase featuring his Elvis tribute show.
For more information about the auction, visit winterauctions.com.au or phone 0405 003 837.
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