Hundreds of sports and active recreation clubs across Victoria will benefit from the first round of VicHealth’s 2014-15 Active Club Grants program.
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VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said that round one of the grants has awarded more than $650,000 worth of grants to 270 successful clubs 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 clubs safer and more accessible by funding essential equipment like bats, racquets, uniforms and balls, and items to prevent or manage injuries, such as safety gear and first aid kits.
“Sports and active recreation clubs are a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people and keep active for good health. We know from previous rounds that these grants encourage community members to try a new activity, support them to join their local club or continue playing their favourite sport,” Ms Rechter said.
To create greater opportunities for clubs to access Active Club Grants, VicHealth is running two rounds of funding – the second of which is closes in two weeks, on Friday, 13 February 2015.
“VicHealth is committed to tackling the tough issues – in particular the rising obesity levels in Victoria. Our free TeamUp app connects adults and groups to a wide range of physical activities within their local community and the H30 Challenge is essential to reducing Victorians’ intake of excess kilojoules through sugary drinks.
“To help combat obesity, we also want to make physical activity participation part of everyday living. VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants in particular aim to make it a little easier for clubs to buy items or equipment to encourage people in the local community to join their club, and help them improve safety for those taking part,” Ms Rechter added.
Priority will be given to applications from clubs and organisations that can demonstrate how an Active Club Grant will increase opportunities for regular physical activity in their community.
