Boosting Participation In Regional Sport

VIC Premier

The Allan Labor Government is supporting more people to get involved in sport with grants for sports clubs and community organisations to strengthen and expand opportunities for people living with a disability in regional communities.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced that applications are open for a second round of the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available in three categories: Equipment and Travel, Inclusion Workforce, and Programs and Disability-led Initiatives.

The grants can be used to purchase specialised or modified equipment and uniforms, such as sports wheelchairs, sensory balls, throwing frames, accessible starting systems, modified bats and racquets and other adaptive technologies enabling safe and inclusive participation.

For clubs that already have the right equipment and unforms, funding can be used to subsidise wages or salaries towards creating a skilled workforce to help boost participation - such as disability sports coaches, support workers or volunteers who are keen to broaden their skillset.

The funding can also be used to cover travel to competitions and festivals, and for clubs to create their own all-abilities sports programs.

Organisations that support community participation in sport and active recreation such as local clubs, state sporting associations, disability or self-advocacy groups, and health or disability providers are encouraged to apply.

Previous grant recipients include the Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club which received $18,000 to deliver a ten-week soccer program co-designed by, and for people with disability in the Latrobe Valley.

Intereach, a not-for-profit organisation supporting regional Victorian communities received more than $24,000 to run two six-week inclusive, no-cost wheelchair basketball programs.

Increasing opportunities for more Victorians to participate in sport and active recreation is a key objective of the Labor Government's Active Victoria 2022-2026 - a strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria.

For more information and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding

As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

"We want more Victorians to get involved in the sports they love."

"Creating an inclusive environment will boost participation and open new pathways, whether it's playing, coaching, volunteering or something else."

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