Skate Australia and the Australian Calisthenics Federation will receive Play Well funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) for the first time.A total of 58 sporting organisations will share in $21.75 million over the next 12 months to create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting environments, with 36 sports earning an increase in annual funding.Based on the Play Well Investment framework, the funding is to address one or more of the six strategic priority areas:
- Empowering People and Organisations
- Driving Lifelong Involvement
- Activating Places and Spaces
- Building Connections
- Equitable Access
- Transforming Culture
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said Play Well funding supports NSO/Ds to create the right environments for participants to have positive experiences in sport.
“At its core, Play Well is about making sport a place where everyone feels welcome. This investment helps sports deliver the kind of experiences that keep people coming back.”
“Strong participation is essential to a thriving sport system. By investing in a diverse range of sports we’re building broader, more inclusive communities that benefit all Australians.”
Skate Australia CEO Alex Anasson said the funding will help skate create more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover, participate in, and thrive in skate sports.
“We are incredibly grateful to the ASC for its support of skate sports through Play Well funding. This investment represents an important step forward in Skate Australia’s mission to grow participation and strengthen skate communities across the country.
“It allows us to expand support across all skate disciplines, develop new participation programs, and implement critical systems that ensure our sports are safe, inclusive, and fair. Importantly, it will help strengthen the pathways that allow every participant from first-time skaters to high-performance athletes to find their place in skate and realise their potential.”
Australian Calisthenics Federation Chair Natalie Wallace said receiving Play Well funding is a significant milestone for calisthenics.
“It reflects the work we’ve put into building a national database and participation strategy, strengthening our governance and engaging closely with the ASC and our Member States,” she said.
“This funding will support our Play Well Strategy and new Participation and Product Development Officer role and help us deliver on our purpose of More People, More Ways, Calisthenics Everywhere.”
The Australian Dragon Boat Federation, Handball Australia, Australian Flying Disc Association, American Football Australia and the Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of Australasia, all first-time recipients in 2024, are amongst the 36 organisations that received an increase in funding.
The ASC’s Sporting Schools, Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions programs have also been extended for one year.
