The State Government’s KidSport program reached a significant milestone late last week, with 10,000 Aboriginal children now signed up with a local sporting or recreation club.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA said it was a great achievement for the program.
“There are now 1,317 sporting clubs across Western Australia with at least one Aboriginal KidSport kid as a member,” Mr Waldron said.
“In terms of numbers, KidSport has created the equivalent of 384 new footy teams, 640 basketball teams and 437 netball teams made up solely of Aboriginal KidSport kids, since the program began in 2011.”
The KidSport program gives eligible 5-18 year old kids $200 towards the cost of their sporting club fees.
“It’s fantastic as this means 10,000 Aboriginal kids who may not have been able to afford to join a sporting group are now active, healthy and engaged with their local teams and their communities,” Mr Waldron said
Top clubs with Aboriginal KidSport members include Murlpirrmarra Connection (Wiluna), Armadale Junior Football Club, Broome Basketball Association, Balga Junior Football Club, Meekatharra Community Resource Centre and Northam Basketball Association.
“I’m really proud to say that Narrogin rated in the top 10 suburbs or towns with Aboriginal KidSport members. They placed sixth in the State, as two hundred and seventy-seven Aboriginal kids are now playing sport there thanks to this great program,” he said.
The most popular sports are AFL, basketball, netball, soccer, swimming and athletics.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Mia Davies said the KidSport program was helping to get more children into sports.
“It shows just how many children want to get involved in sports – but who may be missing out due to financial circumstances. The program helps those families by paying for club fees, making it easier for kids to get involved in sports,” Ms Davies said.
“A total of $2.33 million has been invested to help Aboriginal children get active through this program.”
To date, 54,449 unique kids have accessed 90,903 vouchers through the KidSport program. Accessing KidSport can be done through your local government via a health care card or a referral agent.
For more information on KidSport and to find out if you’re eligible visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding/individuals/kidsport
