The State Government has launched the new Back to Sport program, with grants available for families and sports clubs to re-engage in sport as Western Australia continues its recovery from COVID-19.
The $5 million program is part of the Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund. It includes an additional $4 million into the KidSport program to immediately enable an additional 24,500 children to access financial support to return to sport.
The KidSport program enables eligible Western Australian children to participate in community sport, by offering financial assistance of up to $150 per year to put towards club fees.
To be eligible, children must be between 5 and 18 years of age and hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
Families that may be newly eligible for the program after experiencing unforeseen and abrupt COVID-19 related financial hardship, including those receiving JobSeeker payments, will benefit from the additional KidSport vouchers immediately available under this program.
The KidSport program is open for applications now, and eligible families can access further information on how to apply at https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/kidsport or by phoning the KidSport team (08 9492 9911) during business hours.
The Back to Sport COVID-19 Relief Program also includes a vital $1 million Club Support program, which will provide investment directly into community clubs through a $500 subsidy available to clubs registered with KidSport.
This subsidy will provide assistance with volunteer support and engagement, the purchase of additional equipment to support vulnerable participants and enable the club environment to remain COVID safe.
Applications for this subsidy open today and close Wednesday, November 4, 2020, and information on how to apply will be communicated via email directly to all KidSport clubs today.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The Back to Sport program will provide direct financial assistance to up to 2000 KidSport clubs and tens of thousands of new KidSport program participants, getting more kids back into sport as seasons resume.
“As we continue on our path to recovery, it’s important that we support families who need it and ensure that every WA child who wants to play sport, is able to do so.
“With the help of Lotterywest, we want to distribute as many KidSport vouchers as possible to ensure all kids have the opportunity to get back on the court or out on the field following the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions.
“We also want KidSport community clubs to be supported as they continue to play a vital role in supporting children and their parents to connect with their communities and remain active through club sport.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“The Back to Sport COVID-19 Relief Program will provide 24,500 more opportunities for eligible kids to receive a $150 KidSport voucher – ensuring children of families experiencing unforeseen COVID-19 related financial hardship can continue playing sport and enjoying the associated social, community and health benefits.
“I encourage all families who may have recently qualified for a Health Care Card to take advantage of this State Government program and sign their kids up for their $150 KidSport voucher today.
“Sporting clubs and their devoted volunteers have done an incredible job adapting and innovating in response to the unprecedented challenges they have experienced this year – and it is great to see a $500 direct funding subsidy available to KidSport clubs to support these efforts.”
Sport and Recreation Minister’s office – 6552 6400
