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VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said this year's grants will assist the 742 successful clubs, with a combined total of 212,000 members, to tackle two major barriers that prevent people from taking part in sport and active recreation – cost and injury.

"These grants, of up to $3,000 each, aim to make it a little easier for clubs to encourage people to join their club, fund items or equipment to, and help them improve the safety of those taking part," Ms Rechter said.
 
"This year, we’re proud to announce we've reached the milestone of awarding over 10,000 small VicHealth grants to sport and recreation clubs. This has benefited more than 1.2 million people throughout Victoria over the past 25 years."

"Sports and active recreation clubs are a great way to get involved, meet new people and keep active for good health. We hope these grants will encourage community members to join their local club, renew their membership, or continue playing their favourite sport," she said.

Minister for Sport and Recreation The Hon. Damian Drum said the wide reach of the Active Club Grants program means many Victorians can benefit from increased participation in physical activity.

"It’s great to see the VicHealth Active Clubs Grants reaching so many clubs and participants across Victoria, particularly for people who may face disadvantage and are less likely to take part in sport or active recreation.

"The grants aim to increase participation for the whole community and ultimately reduce the incidence of illnesses related to lack of physical activity," Minister Drum said.

For more information on Active Club Grants, or to see the full list of local clubs that have received a grant in 2014, please visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub.