The Australian Government is investing $100 million to improve sporting opportunities for school children.
The Sporting Schools initiative will provide more children with an opportunity to participate in a range of sports – before, during and after school.
Sport and physical activity are vital to a child’s development, especially during the early years.
Through sporting activities, children learn core values such as teamwork, fair play and integrity as well as fundamental motor skills.
Sporting Schools will have an interactive website where teachers and coaches will be able to access a range of training guides and coaching courses.
Linking schools with sporting clubs will provide greater continuity between recreational activities undertaken at school and outside of school.
Schools that participate in the program will also have the opportunity to apply for grants to improve sporting opportunities for students.
We want to build good habits among children to encourage life-long participation in sport and physical activity. This has the added benefit of improving general health and wellbeing in the community.
The Sporting Schools initiative is designed to curb rising levels of obesity and reduce other health concerns.
If we can get children fit and healthy we can improve health outcomes into the future.
Schools will be able to apply to take part in the program from January next year.
I encourage schools across the electorate to get involved.
Media contact: Samantha Robin on 03 5979 3188 or 0427 787 166
Download the related file: 090714 Media Release – Sport for more Australian School Children.pdf