Our Paralympic athletes performed incredibly in Paris, and following the hype from the 2024 Paralympics the Allan Labor Government is giving Victorians with a disability more opportunity to participate in sport.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the new Regional All Abilities Participation Grants - which will increase opportunities for people with disability living in regional Victoria to get involved in the sports they love.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available in three categories: Equipment and Travel, Inclusion Workforce, and Programs and Disability-led Initiatives.
The grants can be used to purchase specialised or modified equipment and uniforms, such as lowered basketball hoops, adapted balls, weighted vests, compression wear and eye shades.
Grants can also be used for speech generating devices, markers, raised line paint, auditory goal indicators, adjustable goals, throwing frames, starting lights and other technology that will get more people in the game.
For clubs that already have the right equipment and unforms, grant money can be used to subsidise wages or salaries towards a skilled workforce to help people with disability participate - such as disability sports coaches, support workers or volunteers who are keen to broaden their skillset.
The money can also be used for travel costs to competitions and festivals, and for clubs to create their own all-abilities sports programs.
Organisations that support community participation in sport and active recreation such as local clubs, state sporting associations, disability or self-advocacy groups, and health or disability providers are encouraged to apply.
The program is part of the Labor Government's new $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund that is removing barriers for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation across regional Victoria.
Increasing opportunities for more Victorians to participate in sport and active recreation is a key objective of the Labor Government's Active Victoria 2022-2026 - a strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria.
For more information and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"The Paralympics gave us some very inspiring moments, and we're keen to keep that momentum going by creating more pathways for people of all abilities to get involved in the sports they love."
"We're keen to back initiatives that increase opportunities for all Victorians, whether that is on field playing or off field as instructors, coaches, volunteers or administrators."
