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Aiming to make it easier for Victorians to play sport as COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease, VicHealth has announced close to $500,000 in grants for community sports clubs across the state with the new funding focused on creating new sporting opportunities for women and girls and improving the health of those at risk.

During Coronavirus restrictions, VicHealth recognise that Victorians have missed playing sport and seeing their team mates. This funding is about supporting more people to get active and support their local clubs.

Over 150 clubs across the state will receive an Active Club Grant to create new women and girls’ teams, as well as deliver programs to encourage non-sporty Victorians to have a go even if they’ve never played sport before.

Examples of sports programs funded during this round include a netball competition for women impacted by the recent bushfires, swimming sessions for migrants and refugees, and bowling activities parents can do alongside their children.

With junior sport competitions kicking off and non-contact sport resuming for adults, many Victorians are wanting to stay healthy and get active again.

Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos advised that the funding will enable more Victorians from all backgrounds to get active and reconnect with others in their community while keeping safe from Coronavirus.

Minister Mikakos notes “local sports clubs will play a vital role in helping communities recover from Coronavirus, giving Victorians a place where they can be physically active and connect with people in their area.

“Now more than ever, we want to ensure that all Victorians have the opportunity to improve their health through sport regardless of their age, gender and ability.”

VicHealth’s Active Club Grants complement the Victorian Government’s Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package which is focused on helping sports clubs to survive and rebound from the economic impacts of Coronavirus.

VicHealth Chief Executive, Dr Sandro Demaio said Active Club Grants will support Victorian sporting clubs to encourage locals to enjoy better health through community sport.

Dr Demaio adds “as our daily lives and routines continue to change, it’s vital we continue to be physically active and socially connected, and getting involved with your local sports club is a great place to start.

“Playing sport is critical for our physical and mental health. Being part of a sports club is a great way to make new friends and connect with people in your community while having fun and working up a sweat.

Dr Demaio called on Victorians to support the safe return of community sport and notes “we know sports clubs are the heart and soul of their communities and we’ve heard from so many Victorians who’ve really missed playing the sport they love and seeing their team mates.

“These grants create new opportunities for more Victorians to get involved in their local clubs, so we encourage everyone to check out what’s on in their area and give it a go while supporting our sports clubs.”

Ten clubs will receive extra funding to promote VicHealth’s This Girl Can - Victoria campaign as part of a state-wide movement to empower women to get involved in sport and physical activity regardless of how good they are or how they look while getting active.

For more information on VicHealth’s Active Club Grants or the full list of local clubs receiving grants, please visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub

For more information on VicHealth’s This Girl Can - Victoria campaign go to https://thisgirlcan.com.au/

Image courtesy of VicHealth

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