25 May 2015

 

FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said sporting opportunities for children were set to expand now that local New England Electorate primary schools could apply for funding through the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme.

 

Mr Joyce said the before, during and after school hours sporting programme is designed to deliver sports for local schools’ particular needs and ultimately to get Australia’s children active, engaged and having fun, more often.

 

“I urge local schools who have not yet registered to register and apply for funding as part of the Abbott Government’s $100 million Sporting Schools programme,” he said.

 

“The new Sporting Schools program gives local primary schools more versatility to run activities before, during or after school time.

 

“We know it’s vitally important that we help children in the New England Electorate to develop healthy and active habits early in life.”

 

Mr Joyce said local primary schools could apply for funding between now and 26 June, and be part of a national programme that’s set to improve children’s participation in sport.

 

Research reveals about three-quarters of children spend their spare time watching television, only one third of children are managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day and only half are involved in sport. With this in mind, the Abbott Government is committed to providing Australian children with an opportunity to build healthier habits early in life.

 

“Sporting Schools is about developing children’s love of sport during those early years,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“It’s about nurturing their love of fitness and activity so that they become committed to a long term sporting life and fostering skills in leadership, teamwork, social inclusion and community spirit.”

 

 

More than 2,000 primary schools have registered for the programme, which aims to eventually include 5,700 primary schools across the country and to target over 850,000 children to get involved in a before, during or after school sporting activity.

 

This year’s round of programme delivery grants will enable primary schools the New England Electorate to deliver sports-based activities during Term 3 and 4 this year.

 

More information on Sporting Schools can be found at www.sportingschools.gov.au

 

Sporting Schools Funding now open https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMwoDuP0JOI

 

Applications for funding are open between 24 May and 26 June, 2015.