Set your sights on a Regional All Abilities Participation Grant

A second round of our Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program is now open and organisations that support community participation in sport and active recreation such as local clubs, state sporting associations, disability or self-advocacy groups, and health or disability providers, are encouraged to apply.

With grants of up to $25,000, the program aims to increase access, inclusion and opportunities for people living with disability to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation in regional Victoria.

Previous recipients include the East Gippsland Biathlon Club (EGBC), scoring 2 direct $25,000 grant bullseye hits towards their Biathlon 4 All Abilities Project.

Former Australian Biathlon Olympian and Secretary of East Gippsland Biathlon Club, Cameron Morton, explained that thanks to the funding, ‘Biathlon 4 All Abilities Project has been a fabulous success with an increase in all ability participants enjoying the club's program up from 2% of members last year to 25%.’

‘EGBC was instrumental in supporting the successful delivery of the National Para Biathlon Championships through providing IBU (International Biathlon Union) air rifle targets, coaches, carers and officials,’ he said.

Intereach, a not-for-profit organisation supporting regional Victorian communities, also scored over $24,000 to run Hot Wheels; 2 six-week inclusive, no-cost wheelchair basketball programs. They provide people with disability the chance to play or take on non-playing roles such as referees, coaches, or coordinators.

Grants are available across 3 categories:

• Equipment and Travel
• Inclusion Workforce
• Programs and Disability-led Initiatives.

Funding can support the purchase of sports wheelchairs, sensory balls, throwing frames, accessible starting systems, modified bats and racquets, and other adaptive technologies enabling safe and inclusive participation.

Grants can also be used to subsidise wages or salaries for support workers and create more volunteer and paid opportunities for people with disability interested in becoming coaches, administrators and other sport leaders.

The program also supports the delivery of all abilities sport programs that are affordable, sustainable, accessible and inclusive for people with disability.

The Program is part of the $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund that is removing barriers for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation in regional Victoria.

For more information and to apply visit Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.