The Labor Government is backing community-based organisations across the state to encourage people living with a disability to get more active.
Community sport minister Ros Spence announced on Monday 8 November grants of up to $150,000 from the Labor Government’s Access For All Abilities Program 2021–23 for organisations to increase active participation and career opportunities for people of all abilities.
“The success of elite athletes including Paralympians and Olympians inspires many of us to get out and get active, and participation can be its own reward,” she said.
“We’re backing more initiatives that increase all-abilities opportunities for Victorians – as participants, instructors, coaches, volunteers and administrators.”
“These new grants will help develop innovative projects that ensure people with disability have more of a say when it comes to realising their goals.”
More than one million people in Victoria have a disability, and just over 50 per cent participate in sport and recreation three times per week.
This new $1.5 million program helps eligible organisations develop or expand sport and active recreation initiatives to ensure everyone can reach their full potential, like Victorian athlete and four-time Paralympic Gold medallist Dylan Alcott, who was recently named among Victoria’s Australian of the Year nominees.
Grants can be used towards all-abilities participation and organisational development opportunities, active recreation through to inclusive competitions as well as the establishment of leadership, volunteer and employment opportunities.
Organisations from a range of sectors are eligible to apply, including those in health, education, local government and sport and recreation. The program encourages organisations to work in partnerships of two or more and engage with people with a disability to help co-design and deliver projects.
Access For All Abilities is a Victorian Government program that has supported inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with a disability for more than 20 years.
Whether it’s walking, swimming, dance, basketball or cricket for beginners or aspiring Paralympians, Access For All Abilities is helping people with a disability to benefit from participating in sport and recreation.
For more information and to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
