Surfing Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales are proud to announce a new partnership with Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign to help raise awareness of coward punch attacks across the east coast of Australia.
The surfing community was recently rocked by the death of champion surfer Chris ‘Davo’ Davidson who was attacked outside a pub on the NSW mid-north coast.
Davidson, who grew up surfing at North Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern beaches, competed on the World Surf League championship tour in 2010 and 2011.
“Davo was a good friend, a big personality, and just such a naturally gifted surfer, who contributed so much to surfing in Australia” said Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson.
“It was a massive loss for the surfing community to lose him so early in his life, however hopefully through this partnership we can help raise awareness of coward punch attacks and the devastating effect they have on communities across Australia.”
“Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign does incredible work in educating people on the damage a coward punch can have and we are stoked to be supporting them.”
Since 2000, well over one hundred and seventy lives have been lost in Australia from deadly blows to the head, and hundreds more victims with life changing injuries. The coward punch leaves a devastating ripple through society, mentally and physically scarring family, friends and survivors for life.
“On behalf of the entire campaign, I would like to personally thank Surfing Victoria, News South Wales and Queensland, for their recognition and support of such an important cause” said four time world champion boxer and Stop the Coward Punch founder Danny Green.
“I know they stand alongside me in agreeing that there are fewer acts lower than punching someone who can’t see it coming.”
“This campaign aims to reach those who usually would not make that terrible split-second decision to throw a punch, and their mates. I implore people to think about the potential fatal ramifications of a single blow. This campaign’s message is to stay calm, defuse the situation, walk away and tell your aggro mate to relax and enjoy their night. Everyone then gets home in one piece and wakes up with nothing worse than a hangover. If we can make even one person think before striking out, that’s a victory.”
As part of the partnership, Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign will become supporting partners of the Victorian Open Series, Victorian Longboard Titles, Port Stephens Surf Festival, VW NSW Surf Masters and 2024 Queensland Surfing Championships.
“Surfing Queensland is proud to join forces with Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign in raising awareness about the devastating impact of coward punch attacks and support this important cause,” said Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates.
“The tragic loss of Chris ‘Davo’ Davidson, reminds us of the urgent need to address this issue. Together with Surfing Victoria and Surfing New South Wales, through education and awareness, we are hoping we can make a difference and prevent further heartbreak in our communities.”
Donations to Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign can be made via https://cowardpunchcampaign.com/
