History of the Sports Trust – The Associated Sports Australia Trust

History of the Associated Sports Australia Trust

Providing connection and support since 2000

The Associated Sports Australia Trust was founded in 2000 to provide assistance to individuals and their families who have suffered a sport-related spinal injury.

ASAT’s main function was to provide support for individuals sustaining spinal injury in a sporting accident. To this end ASAT has supported a number of individuals and their families in NSW, providing advice and assistance in organising resources and support to help the injured individual adapt to their new lifestyle. ASAT’s assistance is both financial and personal, the link to much-needed – and otherwise hard to find – support systems.

John's Story

The birth of ASAT

When I heard that one of my long-time friends had been badly injured in a rugby league match on Sydney’s northern beaches, I immediately rushed to the hospital to visit him.

But when I arrived, and stepped into the room to find my mate unable to move below the neck, I was lost for words – and completely overcome with emotion.

The shock was so great, the situation so unfamiliar, that all I could say was “Do you feel like a beer, mate?”

He blinked at me four times, I went blank, and I left the room. It left a mark on me for the rest of my life.

On the long trip home from Sydney to Winmalee, all I could think of was how I could help my friend, and other people in the same position: left without the use of their arms and/or legs with so much of their life left to live.

I sat down with my lawyer and friend the next day. The result of that meeting is the Associated Sports Australia Trust.

It was only after my friend was injured – and lost the use of his arms and legs for the rest of his life – that I realised just how many people sustain spinal injuries while playing sport. Australia’s reputation as a sporting force is known around the world, but the silent fact is that people who suffer paraplegia or quadriplegia face an uphill battle just to survive.

Through ASAT I have devised a cycle where funds can be raised for people with spinal injuries through something as simple as people like us having a game of golf. We wish to help those to help themselves. Through the ASAT Trust Plate we have initiated a golf tournament that can operate in a similar way to the Holden Scramble. It adds a new, prestigious title to the golfing calendar and helps people with spinal injuries in the process.

Lump sum payments immediately after the injury is sustained do not help people in the course of their lives. They need ongoing physical, mental, emotional and financial support and ASAT aims to help provide that support.

It takes time and effort to build great things, but together we can make a difference.

Activities and Initiatives

2000 - Current

The ASAT Trust Plate

The Trust Plate was a fundraising golf tournament that ran for several years until 2008. Funds raised from this prestigious event went straight to ASAT’s main cause: supporting those with a sport-related spinal injury. As yet there are no fixed plans for the Trust Plate to continue, but ASAT is grateful for all those who participated and made it a success.

The Blue Wave

Crossing of the Blue Mountains

John O’Sullivan, accompanied by a team of friends and sponsors, recreated the historic walk across the Blue Mountains. This walk was first completed in 1913, and the Blue Wave recreated the walk in collaboration with local primary schools in 2011 and again for the centenary in 2013.

Family Fundraisers

ASAT helped organise a number of fundraisers for recently injured individuals in the period 2005 – 2015. The Trust brought together a number of local businesses to donate time, money and products to assist with fundraising efforts for several Blue Mountains families.

ASAT’s contribution to these families has been more than financial – John has connected these locals with wider support networks, both medical and social.

Words from the Community

ASAT’s assistance was one of many who stepped up to help us out when we most needed it but what makes ASAT a little special is the friendship that has developed between John [O’Sullivan, ASAT Founder] and my family. John’s efforts enabled Woodford Homes and Blue Eco Homes to come on board and provide management for the work that was required to make the downstairs accommodations suitable for Richy’s return from RNSH.

I met John O’Sullivan a couple of months ago and I was so Inspired by his passion and commitment towards his charity work for this organisation that I wanted to get involved somehow. I’ve personally been involved in sport since I was very young and still love everything about sport today. Unfortunately, as John so rightly pointed out to me, many individuals and families who have suffered a sports related spinal injury are often left to support themselves after the event. To have an organisation such as ASAT trying to raise funds and support this initivative is invaluable for the community. I am proud to be a part of ASAT and I look forward to seeing this organisation grow well into the future.

I have been involved with John O’Sullivan and the work with his charity for over 8 years. John is totally dedicated to the realization of the initiatives that he has started. These include the Blue Mountains Blue Wave, ASAT Trust Plate and the Miles Graham Respite Retreat. John is involved with any family or individual that needs support during difficult times especially during sports injuries which can devastate a life of the person or family.

Out of charity John O’Sullivan has donated his many years for the benefit of many individuals that are so soon forgotten when injury takes them from the sport that they love to a wheel chair. We humbly support ASAT as we are motivated in the hope of Humanity remembering that we are not consumers but Givers. Our community in the Blue Mountains is rare and we hope to raise greater awareness as ASAT evolves and provides the first Hospice Retreat and then many more. A legacy in the making!

As one of the early supporters of John O’Sullivan and ASAT, we have listened to initial concepts and watched the whole unfolding of what we see as an incredibly much needed concept for the Blue Mountains and beyond. To see this concept grow into a reality from the beginnings of a strong foundation is very exciting and we can see that much needed support will bring this into fruition which is why we are more than happy to stand behind John and give him and the ASAT our full attention, support and encouragement for months and years to come. Might I just add, The Blue Mountains is such a rich, diverse and fresh place to reside and it is by having people like John live in this beautiful area and also have the effort to not be contented’ as is but to strive to improve, not just for oneself, but for those doing it tough, that makes the Blue Mountains a very special place.

We’re proud to have been involved with the Associated Sports Australia Trust for a number of years now. Working on the Blue Mountains Blue Wave was a great experience and proved just what John and his team are capable of.