From blind cricket and adaptive climbing to accessible surfing and walking hockey, regional Victorians with disability are enjoying greater access to the sports they love.
Minister Ros Spence today announced 89 sports clubs and community organisations across regional Victoria will receive grants to strengthen and expand opportunities for people disability on and off the field.
The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants (RAAPG) provides funding of up to $25,000 to boost access, inclusion and participation.
It's about helping more people with disability benefit from the physical, social and mental health advantages of sport and active recreation.
Team Baw Baw Alpine Sports Club received $25,000 to launch Mt Baw Baw's first dedicated adaptive sport program - funding specialised equipment, instructor training and adaptive skiing and snowboarding to create a more inclusive alpine environment for people with disability.
To launch Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club will use $22,000 to purchase inclusive bikes, so people with disability and family members can ride, explore and enjoy outdoors together.
In Greater Geelong, NeuroThrive Australia secured more than $24,000 to deliver a program for autistic and ADHD children and their families. Led by neurodivergent specialists, it blends movement, sensory-friendly play and parent education.
Mallee Sports Assembly is using $25,000 towards the 2026 Mildura Tri-State Games - an annual weeklong sporting event for people with disability. The funding will support the appointment of two ambassadors to promote participation at the Games and beyond.
SalamFest will receive $25,000 to reduce barriers for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Ballarat - running inclusive activities like yoga, cultural rhythm and movement exercises.
These grants are part of Labor's $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund, removing barriers for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation in regional Victoria.
For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients sport.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"We're delighted to support more programs that open up more all-abilities opportunities for Victorians - as instructors, coaches, volunteers or administrators."
"This initiative creates inclusive spaces where people with disability can not only participate - but kick start new opportunities to learn and excel in a range of roles in the sports they love."
