Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said sporting opportunities for children were set to expand now that local primary schools could apply for funding through the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme.
Mr Coulton said the before, during and after school hours sporting programme is designed to deliver sports for local schools’ particular needs and ultimately to get Australia’s children active, engaged and having fun, more often.
“I urge local schools who have not yet registered to register and apply for funding as part of the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme,” Mr Coulton said.
“The new Sporting Schools program gives local primary schools more versatility to run activities before, during or after school time.
“We know it’s vitally important that we help children in rural and regional New South Wales develop healthy and active habits early in life.”
Mr Coulton said local primary schools could apply for funding between now and 26 June 2015, and be part of a national programme that’s set to improve children’s participation in sport.
Approximately three quarters of children spend their spare time watching television, only one third of children are managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day and only half are involved in sport. With this in mind, the Abbott Government is committed to providing Australian children with an opportunity to build healthier habits early in life.
“Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport during those early years,” Mr Coulton said.
“It’s about nurturing their love of fitness and activity so that they become committed to a long term sporting life and fostering skills in leadership, teamwork, social inclusion and community spirit.”
Over 2,000 primary schools have registered for the programme, which aims to eventually include 5,700 primary schools across the country and to target over 850,000 children to get involved in a before, during or after school sporting activity.
This year’s round of programme delivery grants will enable primary schools to deliver sports-based activities during Terms 3 and 4 this year.
- More information on Sporting Schools can be found at https://www.sportingschools.gov.au/
- Sporting Schools Funding now open https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMwoDuP0JOI
- Applications for funding are open between 24 May and 26 June 2015