Promoting Victorian’s participation in sports

21 June 2011

Thirty State Sporting Associations will share in $10.2 million from the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) over the next three years in a bid to make sports in Victoria more welcoming places.

VicHealth’s State Sporting Association Participation Program 2011-2014 aims to increase the participation of priority populations through creating sporting environments that are safe, accessible, inclusive and equitable, with a particular focus on women and girls, people with a disability, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally diverse communities.

Beyond simply encouraging more people to play, the new grants aim to bring about sustainable organisational and cultural change at a state and member level.

VicHealth’s Acting CEO Associate Professor John Fitzgerald said the State Sporting Associations should be congratulated for taking the initiative to make sport attractive for all members of society, in particular for groups within the community who are currently underrepresented in sport.

“Over the past 50 years, the Australian culture has shifted from an active nation to one with a lifestyle that is mostly inactive. Physical activity can prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, some cancers and obesity, as well as providing protection from common mental health problems of anxiety and depression,” A/Prof Fitzgerald said.

“As well as guarding against chronic illness, physical activity strengthens relationships and contributes to healthy communities. It’s important to nurture safe and supportive sports that are welcoming of all.”

Further information

Find out more about inclusive sports and the State Sporting Association Participation Program from the VicHealth website.