Sporting Schools program breaks record for getting kids moving

The Morrison Government’s $320 million Sporting Schools Program is helping more schools than ever to provide opportunities for children to get active and experience the joy of sport. 

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson is encouraging local schools to register and apply for Sporting Schools funding and join the millions of Australian children benefitting from fun and free opportunities to get active through sport.

More than 885 Western Australian schools shared in $3.4 million to run Sporting Schools programs in 2020.

“The Sporting Schools Program can be an important first step to inspiring children to build healthy habits and develop a lifelong love of sport,” Mr Wilson said.

“Many schools across O’Connor have been part of the program already and we want to see as many of our children enjoying the benefits it can provide.

“With a record-breaking 77 per cent of schools around the country receiving funding to deliver a program, there has never been a better time to get involved so I encourage eligible schools throughout O’Connor to apply for a grant.

“Physical activity helps keep children healthy, happy and socially engaged, impacting positively on their intellectual capacity and academic achievements.

“Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport from a young age, helping to increase their confidence and capability to be active for life.”

Sport Australia works in partnership with more than 35 national sporting organisations to deliver quality programs to help school communities get moving. From athletics to bowls, to softball and water polo, there are so many fantastic sports available to try.

Mr Wilson said parents could visit Sport Australia’s new Find a Club website designed to help parents find a local sporting club for their child to continue their sporting journey.

“Find a Club also includes links to voucher programs available in WA to help cover the cost of registration and membership fees because we know cost can be a barrier to sports participation,” Mr Wilson said.

Grant applications for Sporting Schools Term 4 open on Monday, August 16 and close on Friday, August 27.

For more information about Sporting Schools, visit www.sportingschools.gov.au