Grants expand all abilities sport in regional Victoria

Victorians living with disability will have more chances to get involved in sport, with new funding for grassroots clubs and community groups.

The state government has announced 88 grants worth more than $1.5 million through the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said the funding would help create more inclusive opportunities on and off the field.

“We’re delighted to back initiatives that increase all-abilities opportunities for Victorians whether as instructors, coaches, volunteers or administrators.

“We want to create inclusive environments for people with disability to not only participate but kick start new opportunities in a range of roles in the sports they love.”

In Ballarat, local groups including Ballarat City Rowing Club, North Ballarat Cricket Club, East-Point Football Netball Club and Special Olympics Ballarat will share in funding to expand all abilities programs.

Riding for the Disabled Ballarat and the Ballarat Basketball Association are among other recipients supporting inclusive opportunities in equestrian, basketball and climbing.

In Bendigo, the Bendigo FIDA Suns and Bendigo Rowing Club secured funding for football and rowing programs, while Solve-TAD Limited will support inclusive cycling projects.

Other successful applicants across the state include the Shepparton Netball Association, Cycling Without Age Gippsland, Murray Human Services and Disabled Wintersport Australia, which will spend more than $21,000 on accessible ski equipment.

The grants program is part of the government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund under its Active Victoria 2022 to 2026 plan.