Boost for kids in sport

BUDDING athletes will have greater access to organised sports thanks to a government voucher program aimed at getting kids fit.

The Ticket to Play program, launched this week, offers $100 vouchers to low-income families and children in out-ofhome care to help purchase sporting memberships.

Sports Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the initiative was aimed at removing the barriers that stopped some children from playing sport.

“We want more young people to participate in sport because of the lifelong benefits it brings — there’s better mental health and physical health outcomes, but it also develops social skills, leadership skills and teamwork skills,” Ms Petrusma said.

Premier Will Hodgman said: “Cost is an impediment into getting into organised sport — this will provide some financial relief to families, to kids across the state and I’m really thrilled that we’re able to launch it.”

The $3 million program will help about 30,000 children and young people access memberships from a range of 700 registered clubs.

Children aged five to 17 in out-of-home care or listed on a valid Centrelink health care card of pensioner concession card are eligible for the program.

For more information visit communities.tas.gov.au/ticketto-play