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The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) has awarded 484 sports clubs in Victoria essential funding to purchase equipment, fund training of volunteers and purchase injury prevention equipment and portable shade though its annual Active Club Grants round.

VicHealth Acting CEO Associate Professor John Fitzgerald said the grants, of up to $2500 each, were prioritised to assist people in flood-affected communities, Indigenous communities, people with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Sports clubs and organisations in rural and low socio-economic areas were also a priority for funding.

“Small community sports organisations often find it hard to buy essential equipment or fund training for new volunteers. These grants help clubs with those expenses,” A/Prof Fitzgerald said.

“Around two-thirds of Australian adults don’t do enough physical activity to reap the health benefits. It’s important to invest in initiatives that encourage people to get moving, given the rising incidence of health problems linked to an inactive lifestyle, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

“Club sports are a great way to get involved, meet new friends and keep active for good health. We hope these grants will encourage people to join a club, renew their membership, or continue playing their favourite sport.”

The grants were awarded to clubs covering the spectrum of sports – from football, netball, soccer, horse riding, calisthenics, table tennis, to canoeing and many more.

This year, extra funding was made available for sporting clubs in communities that were affected by recent widespread flooding. The closing timeline to apply for the grants was extended to allow clubs in these areas more time and flexibility to apply. A total of 387 clubs in flood-affected regions received an Active Clubs Grant.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation The Hon. Hugh Delahunty said the grants are designed to increase participation in physical activity, particularly for people who may be disadvantaged and less likely to take up a sport.

“The VicHealth Active Clubs Grants aim to increase participation in sports for all members of the community and ultimately reduce the incidence of illnesses related to lack of physical activity,” Minister Delahunty said.

The list of successful clubs is available online at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclubs