Two weeks for local schools to apply for Sporting School funding

Member for Durack Melissa Price is urging all local Durack primary schools to register for the first round of Sporting Schools funding.

The $100 million programme is part of the Abbott Government’s plan to get more children active and healthy.

This year’s round of programme delivery grants will enable primary schools Durack to enhance the delivery of sports-based activities during Term 3 and 4 this year.

Ms Price said if you haven’t registered and applied for funding, now is the time with the first round of funding to close on Friday June 26.

“This is one of the Abbott Government’s cornerstone preventative health programmes aimed to improve our children’s health through getting more kids involved in physical activity,” Ms Price said.

“Being involved in this new programme will expand sporting opportunities for children before, during and after school hours at Durack primary schools.

“Sporting Schools is designed to deliver sports in line with local schools’ needs and ultimately to get the children of Durack active, engaged and having fun through sport, more often.”

Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport during these early years because we know:

• approximately three quarters of Australian 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 children across Australia with opportunities to build healthier habits early in life,” Ms Price said.

“It’s about nurturing children’s love of sport during these early years to encourage a lifelong sporting commitment while also developing their skills in leadership, teamwork, social inclusion and community spirit.”

Applications for funding close on June 26.