The Wrestling for Fun (W4F) collective is thrilled to be a 2023 recipient of a Parkestone Foundation grant, which has been awarded annually to South Australian LGBTQI+ community projects since 1980.
Wrestling For Fun received a $1,000 grant in August 2023 to part-fund the purchase three professional, portable wrestling mats. This was later revised to $791.29 to fully-fund two wrestling mats, received and ‘christened’ in October 2023.
The Parkestone Foundation grant is significant to the Wrestling For Fun collective for two notable reasons:
1. Wresting For Fun is a community collective rather than an incorporated sporting body. The grant not only recognises the legitimacy of our 13-year history within the LGBTQI+ community, but it confirms the Foundation’s commitment to recognise both formal and informal avenues that benefit South Australia’s queer community.
2. In the 13-year history of the W4F collective, we have never requested nor received funding of any kind. This grant is not only a first for us, but a shift in the collective’s own self-perception to recognise itself as a legitimate body that recognises the value of the physical, mental health, and community connection benefits it provides.
Within LGBTQI+ communities across Australia, there are many small groups and collectives who contribute to the vibrancy of our community but receive little recognition or support. We are honoured that the Parkestone Foundation has recognised us, and enabled us to provide a more consistent, safer and professional experience to our participants.
The Parkestone Foundation was initially constituted as an Association in 1980 following a generous bequest by an Adelaide gay man, Peter Nation which enabled the establishment of a Trust Fund.
It became a Foundation in 2016 and is managed by a committee of honorary Trustees who ensure that the Trust Fund is used for its intended purpose which is to support LGBTIQA+ community projects consistent with its objectives.
Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over $50,000 to support 72 LGBTIQA+ community projects in South Australia.
For more information about Wrestling for Fun (W4F), visit: www.wrestlingforfun.wordpress.com for details.
Image: Wrestling for Fun (supplied)