SANFL Premiership cup to fly high in Kia Cup Entry

SANFL MEDIA

The 2024 Kia Cup Entry on SANFL grand final day will see the Thomas Seymour Hill premiership trophy delivered onto Adelaide Oval by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.

‘Tommy’ will be flown onto the oval before the start of tomorrow’s 2024 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final, accompanied by two Surf Life Saving South Australia representatives.

The cup will be delivered on ground at approximately 1:50pm to awaiting 2024 cup ambassador and SA sporting legend Ken ‘KG’ Cunningham.

Announced as the cup ambassador last month, KG is one of South Australia’s best known media identities. The former sports commentator was also a leading SANFL field umpire and State cricketer.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the League was thrilled to be collaborating with Surf Life Saving SA to not only provide a spectacle for fans attending the grand final, but also to help promote the important message around beach safety.

“To have the Thomas Seymour Hill SANFL premiership cup flown into Adelaide Oval by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will add tremendous excitement to the pre-match experience for fans,” Mr Chandler said.

“This is also a unique opportunity to recognise the outstanding work Surf Life Saving SA does in providing such a vital free community service to over a million beachgoers along our coastline.”

SLSSA Chief Executive Officer Damien Marangon said they were delighted to partner with the SANFL to create a memorable experience for footy fans while shining a light on beach and water safety.

“With summer fast approaching and the patrol season kicking off in just three weeks, this serves as a timely reminder for all South Australians to prioritise their safety in and around the water,” Mr Marangon said.

“The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service is just one example of the vital role our 9000-plus volunteer members play in safeguarding our communities along the South Australian coastline.

“We encourage all beachgoers this season to swim between the red and yellow flags, visit a patrolled location and listen to the advice of our lifesavers who are there to help you. Let’s look after each other so we can have a safe and enjoyable summer.”

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, operated by SLSSA, performs 200 hours of patrol each season, covering more than 100,000kms over South Australia’s coastline from North Haven to Goolwa.

This season, the service will be operational from Saturday October 12 until April 1, 2025 (Easter Monday), patrolling across weekends and public holidays during this period.

To learn more about beach safety, visit beachsafe.org,au.

Kia is a proud premier partner and official vehicle supplier of the SANFL, helping drive South Australian football across every corner of the State.