Supporting active initiatives

IT is fantastic to see our community coming together for social connection and physical activity in our sports clubs across Geelong.

In the Cheetham Ward, interest in BMX riding is at fever pitch, with a range of events highlighting the thrilling and nail-biting skills of our local riders.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing some of our best riders in action when I attended the Best of the West Series at the Geelong BMX Club.

Hosted by Geelong Thunder BMX, the best riders in our region descended on the track at Grinter Reserve, Moolap for a day of gripping competition, as competitors geared up for the State Championships taking place this month.

At the City, we appreciate the burgeoning interest in BMX riding, and I am eager to see new infrastructure delivered to support our future riders.

Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park is set to become the first in the region to receive an asphalt pump track as part of its major upgrades.

This track is the result of consistent advocacy from our community, who fought hard to have it included in the reserve upgrades.

I cannot wait to see this fantastic community asset being delivered to the community through a $1 million Victorian Government Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund grant, with a co-contribution of $1.513 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

I am proud that we have responded to the community advocacy for this project, and I look forward to seeing our future riders making the most of this fantastic new track once construction is complete.

It is also incredibly rewarding to see inclusion championed within our sports community.

The Geelong Stars All-Abilities Sports Club have gone above and beyond, offering programs that help young people build skills, gain confidence, and support social connection across a range of different sporting codes.

Within a year of its inception, the club has supported young people to get involved in a range of sports from soccer and gymnastics, through to karate, golf and baseball.

Its 40-member volunteer base has supported more than 100 young people to get involved in physical activities at its Breakwater Reserve home.

The Geelong Stars are hosting a Learn to Ride program every second Sunday from 10am to 11am to help young people of all abilities feel comfortable on a bike.

The club is also partnering with Geelong Thunder BMX in November to present an open day session for riders of all abilities.

The Stars are in the process of building a “sidehack” – a sidecar that can be attached to a BMX bike. This will enable children with mobility challenges to experience firsthand the rush of riding a BMX track, supported by an experienced rider.

They’re also fundraising to purchase a side-by-side electric tandem bike to allow families to enjoy bike rides together.

These are just some of the many incredibly rewarding projects being undertaken by the Geelong Stars.

Also in Cheetham Ward, Whittington Neighbourhood House is running a series of free footy clinics every Saturday and Thursday throughout the September school holidays, kicking off this weekend.

Hosted on the oval behind the House at Apollo Place, the sessions will offer an inclusive, encouraging space for young girls to get into the game. To register for the clinics, contact [email protected].

From new infrastructure that supports our growing sports, to dedicated programs that encourage everyone to get active, these initiatives reflect the true spirit of our community.

If you want to know more about any of these initiatives, or have other queries, please get in touch.