VICHEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS
Congratulations to six local sporting clubs that have received funding under VicHealth’s 2009/10 Active Club Grants Program in a bid to increase participation.
Christine Campbell, MP, Member for Pascoe Vale, said the grants were provided to enable clubs to increase physical activity opportunities for potential participants, especially people who are currently inactive or who find it difficult to get involved.
Clubs can receive grants for essential sporting equipment, sports injury prevention equipment, portable shade and volunteer training.
“VicHealth encourages sporting clubs and organisations to actively engage more Indigenous Australians, new arrivals, people with disabilities and those living in low socio-economic communities”, Ms Campbell said.
“Studies show that disadvantaged groups are more likely to be overweight or obese and to suffer chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes or heart disease. Increased physical activity can dramatically reduce the likelihood of these conditions.”
“One practical way to increase participation is to provide small grants for equipment and training, because we know that a lack of these resources can stop clubs from offering their activities to as many people as they would like”, Ms Campbell said.
Local clubs to receive funding are:
- Pascoe Vale Sports Club received $1,840 for goal post padding and footballs.
- Moreland City Youth Boxing Club received $1,800 for head and body guards, sparring gloves corner pads and first aid kits.
- West Coburg Junior Football Club received $2,500 for guernsies.
- Coburg Harriers Club received $1,463 for portable shelters.
- Moreland City Flames Basketball Club received $2,108 for volunteer and essential first aid training and first aid kits.
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St Fidelis Basketball Club received $1,600 for portable basketball rings, singlets and basketballs.
“These small grants can make a considerable difference to a club. Clubs build community pride and loyalty and connect people. They’re the ‘glue’ that holds communities together”, Ms Campbell said.