One of these sporting programs to receive funding deserves special mention. It is the Active After School Communities Program which is aimed at getting kids involved in sport.
As the Federal Sports Minister explains, the $50 million program can transform the health and wellbeing of children.
"We need to get children out of the lounge rooms and onto sporting fields," Senator Arbib said.
"That's why our Active After-School program is so important for children right across the country.
"The program provides children with the opportunity to participate in physical activity after school so they can gain confidence, improve their skills and hopefully develop a life-long love of sports.
"Around 190,000 children participate in the Active After-school program in more than 3,200 primary schools and out of school hours care services."
The program opens up about 70 sports and activities that the children can participate in, meaning there's no excuse!
"Almost half of the Active After-school Communities programs are delivered to children in rural and regional areas and a quarter of the participants are from low socio-economic communities.
"The size and diversity of the program doesn't just benefit the kids who take part, free training is also provided to teachers, parents and sports club members in the community to become specialised coaches in the program."
The Australian Sports Commission who has conducted a comprehensive study with the parents of the participants reported:
- 84 per cent said their children are more positive towards physical activity.
- 83 per cent said their children are more positive towards structured physical activity.
- 68 per cent said their children were more interested in participating in sport or other structured physical activity.
- 60 per cent said their children are more interested in joining a club.
The hope of the program is that children will maintain healthy levels of physical activity into their late teens and adulthood.
