However, the two have been working together just as closely as they did when playing at full forward and centre half forward for the Sydney Swans.
Earlier this year, they incorporated the Goodes-O’Loughlin Foundation - or GO Foundation for short - which exists to work towards a brighter future for Indigenous Australians and to encourage and empower the next generation of Indigenous role models. The stated objective of the Foundation is “encouraging healthy living, a good education, and breaking the poverty cycle through participation in the economy”.
The GO Foundation currently focuses primarily on three areas - education, healthy lifestyles and employment . The Foundation has developed programmes pertaining to each area, and these are conducted in consultation with the Community.
Earlier this week, Michael O’Loughlin travelled to Dareton, just northwest of Mildura. With him were some of the Foundation’s administrators, as well as former Sydney Swans player Heath James, returning for a visit to his home town.
Here Michael and the GO representatives conducted a meet and greet with Dareton’s Indigenous community. They also met with both the men’s group and women’s group, with a view to discovering what needs within the Community they may be able to help meet. These discussions proved most useful as the Foundation seeks to continue its association with the Community and to provide assistance in a number of practical ways.
They also conducted a number of leadership and mentoring workshops at both Dareton Primary School and Coomealla High School.
Later that evening, around 350 people flocked to the local football ground to attend a barbecue hosted by Michael. The initial plan was that the event was to be held at the local swimming pool, however the turnout was so large an alternative venue needed to be found.
The GO Foundation is looking forward to returning to Dareton in January or February - depending on when it may be possible for Adam to spend a day or two away from Sydney.
The official launch of the GO Foundation is to be held in early 2010, but Michael says they have “a number of massive projects already underway”. He’s keeping tight-lipped about them, however, as major announcements will be made at the time of the Foundation’s official launch.
Meanwhile, for further information regarding the work of the GO Foundation, visit www.go-foundation.org
