Sydney Swans star Michael O’Loughlin has joined together with teammates Jude Bolton, Amon Buchanan and Adam Goodes to mark the anniversary of ‘Apology Day’.
February 13 last year saw Kevin Rudd formally apologise for the pain experienced by the Stolen Generations and their “profound grief, suffering and loss”. The apology was a much anticipated and emotional experience for those who had been personally affected and was broadcast around the nation, including showings in remote indigenous communities throughout Australia.
Twelve months on, the boys have seen an opportunity to remind Australians of the importance of this historic day, communicating a message through Jude Bolton and Amon Buchanan’s menswear label - Jon Pumper. Michael O’Loughlin has joined with the pair to design a t-shirt that represents progress within Australia.
“Apology Day is not just about saying sorry," O'Loughlin said.
"It is about recognising the mistakes of the past and now moving forward in a positive and constructive way.”
The limited edition t-shirt shows two hands joining together to signify unity, and the beautifully detailed illustrated background is a mix of modern Australian and traditional Aboriginal art.
Proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will go to the NASCA (National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia) Sporting Chance Academies. NASCA is a not-for-profit organisation which was founded in 1995 to encourage the development of Aboriginal youth, using sport as a vehicle to influence health and education. The NASCA Sporting Chance Academies program focuses on assisting Indigenous youth living in Northern Territory communities to value education, stay in school and increase their post school opportunities through sporting role models. Michael O’Loughlin has been an integral part of the program, working with NASCA for the past 10 years.
The t-shirts are now available online at www.jonpumper.com.
