Victorians with disability will have more opportunities to get involved in sport thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today joined Paralympic Gold medallist Heath Davidson OAM at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre, the home of Australia’s first wheelchair tennis hub established in 2016, to announce 15 organisations will share in more than $1.5 million from the Access for All Abilities Program 2021-23.
As part of the funding announcement $70,000 will also support Tennis Victoria, Special Olympics Australia and Get Skilled Access to come together and develop strategies to best reduce barriers to participation in community sport for those with a disability.
More than 1 million people in Victoria have a disability and just over 50 per cent participate in sport and recreation three times per week.
Among other recipients include Victoria University, receiving $100,000 to join with Disability Sport and Recreation to better engage with people living with a disability and make community sport more accessible.
More than $120,000 will go towards a partnership between Moonee Valley City Council, Belgravia Leisure and Swimming Victoria for inclusive swimming lessons and staff training to deliver them and over $97,000 will support Scope Australia and Hockey Victoria for targeted programs catering for people with multiple and complex disability.
The grants will help develop or expand sport and active recreation initiatives to ensure everyone can reach their full potential, including more competitions as well as leadership, volunteer and employment opportunities.
For more information about the program and funded projects visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Everyone deserves accessible opportunities to get active and get involved in sport.”
“This is about ensuring more opportunities for people of all abilities and providing key organisations in the disability sector with all they need to help people reach their full potential.”
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
“Creating more inclusive opportunities in sport is vital in empowering people with disability to get active and increasing visibility.”
As stated by Australian Quad Wheelchair Tennis Champion Heath Davidson OAM
“This program will not only open doors for future tennis champions on the court but help create pathways into future careers including coaching, administration, and volunteering which ultimately benefits everyone and the sport.”
