Backing First Nations athletes’ sporting success
Published: 15 March 2024The Victorian Government is supporting more First Nations athletes to go further on and off the pitch through a range of grants for uniforms, equipment, travel and participation in sport carnivals.
The latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is now open.
It delivers grants of up to $2,500 for junior teams and $1,500 for senior teams towards travel and accommodation costs to participate in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, as well as up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment.
Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment, and up to $750 for travel and accommodation.
The previous round of the program delivered 48 grants to organisations across the state including the Lake Tyers Health and Children's Services Association which received $3,000 to help the East Gippsland All Blacks football and netball senior teams to play in the VACSAL Statewide Senior Football and Netball Carnival in Torquay.
First Nations Calisthenics Club in Heidelberg West received $2,500 to assist 6 female junior representatives to showcase their talents at Calichamp Tournaments, which took place at different venues across the state.
We see many of our players traveling great distances to do the club proud, so we are truly grateful to now be in a position to help fund the costs of petrol and accommodation.
Rebecca Taylor – First Nations Calisthenics Club President
'The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has been a great support to our participants and has enabled our girls to participate in statewide competitions, celebrate culture and remain connected to our communities,' Rebecca said.
The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is part of the Victorian Government’s work supporting the Victorian Aboriginal community and its sport sector, giving more than 400 grants totalling more than $540,000 to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, sporting clubs and associations.
Funding applications are open until Monday, 15 April 2024. For more information or to apply visit the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.