The extension of the Morrison Government’s popular Sporting Schools Program will see more children across Cairns and Far North Queensland participate in free sport activities.
The program, which is delivered in partnership with 37 national sporting organisations, helps schools deliver a range of high-quality, inclusive, and diverse sporting activities to primary school students along with Years 7 and 8 students.
The $79.6 million extension to the end of 2024 was announced as part of the Morrison Government’s $155 million Federal Budget package for sport.
In 2021, more than 500,000 students participated in the program each term, with more than 2 million students taking part in Sporting Schools across the year.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the Sporting Schools Program is the government’s largest individual investment to help Australian kids stay physically active.
“This is a decade-long commitment from the government to ensure children in our local communities across the electorate get the opportunity to be involved in sport, free of charge,” Mr Entsch said.
“Sport provides a range of physical, mental and social benefits to Australians and we are committed to ensuring children can live active and healthy lives.
“The program also provides opportunities for students to connect with their local sporting clubs and continue playing sport for years to come.”
Federal Sport Minister Richard Colbeck said the extension of the Sporting Schools Program will inspire the next generation of kids to play a variety of different sports they may not otherwise consider.
“Sport Australia’s national AusPlay survey shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decrease in children’s participation in organised sport,” Mr Colbeck said.
“This renewed investment will help us bring more schools and sports together to get Aussie children active and build skills in a sport they enjoy.”
Further information about the Sporting Schools Program can be found at: www.sportaus.gov.au/schools
