Shepparton News

Exercise your hands and grab some cash

- By Zac Standish Applicatio­ns are open now until Friday, October 8, and successful recipients will be notified in November.

Sporting clubs across the Goulburn Valley can now apply for the second round of Sport Australia’s Participat­ion Grant program.

A nationwide program aimed at keeping communitie­s active, grants of up to $450,000 are available to organisati­ons and clubs to help assist those managing the ongoing challenges associated with COVID19.

Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said the $10.3 million initiative would support up to 40 new inclusive, high-quality sport and physical activity experience­s across the country.

“COVID-19 has impacted so many Australian­s and sport continues to face ongoing challenges because of the pandemic,” Colbeck said.

“This program will deliver community-based participat­ion programs to help tens of thousands of Australian­s get active and return to sport when it is safe to do so.

“Through this program, the Morrison Government is investing in innovative new participat­ion programs that bring communitie­s together and make them stronger, more resilient and active.”

The new round of funding follows the program’s successful first round held in 2018-19 and 2019-20, which delivered 62 sport and physical activity programs.

Projects previously funded include Touch Football Australia’s All Abilities program which provided more than 1300 people with a disability the opportunit­y to participat­e in the sport, with 709 participan­ts staying involved in touch football after completing a six-week program.

Gymnastics Australia’s KinderGym project reached more than 23,000 children aged five years and over through state and territory associatio­ns and clubs, with more than 10,000 children continuing with gymnastics programs.

While the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s Deadly Running project provided 212 participan­ts in four remote communitie­s across Australia the opportunit­y to become qualified running coaches and deliver Deadly Fun Runs and Walks in their community.

Sport Australia acting chief executive Rob Dalton said participat­ion in sport and being physically active was essential for building and maintainin­g a happy, healthy and connected nation.

“The Sport Australia Participat­ion Grant Program will help more Australian­s enjoy the social, personal and health benefits participat­ing in community sport and physical activity brings,” Dalton said.

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