Sporting clubs in Dandenong will share in more than $8,000 in funding to help meet the explosion in demand for grassroots women\u2019s sport and social sport thanks to the latest round of health promotion foundation VicHealth\u2019s Active Club Grants.<\/p>\n
Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said the grants will make a significant difference to local clubs, with some now able to field a women and girls\u2019 team or host a social competition for the first time.<\/p>\n
Dandenong Cricket Club will receive $2,500 to conduct a mid-week women’s social cricket competition with modified rules. Mulgrave Baseball Club are also set to receive $2,500 to help field a senior women’s team in the summer league, with the majority of these players new to baseball.\u00a0Meanwhile, Doveton Special Soccer School Inc will receive $3,000 organise walking football activities for people with disability or participants who cannot run or run well.<\/p>\n
Ms Williams said, \u201cwe want to support locals to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age, gender or ability.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to a lack of time, lack of confidence, and societal pressures, many Dandenong residents just aren\u2019t fitting the recommended amount of physical activity into their week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn particular we know women are much less likely to take part in club sport compared to men.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen deserve the same opportunities as men to play sport and be active. Women\u2019s sport is increasingly popular and these grants will help local clubs field new women\u2019s and girls\u2019 teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the grants will help more Dandenong residents to make physical activity part of their day-to-day life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program is about supporting Victoria\u2019s grassroots sport clubs to provide a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in including people who wouldn\u2019t normally have the chance to play sport,\u201d Ms Rechter said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuccessful clubs across Dandenong will be able to use these grants to increase social sport programs and respond to growing numbers of women and girls wanting to play sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cNon-traditional, social and modified sports are also becoming an increasingly popular choice, and some of the successful clubs will deliver creative and flexible sports programs to help locals fit exercise into their busy daily routines.<\/p>\n
\u201cI encourage Dandenong residents to get involved in their local sporting clubs \u2013 it\u2019s a fun way to keep active while connecting with like-minded people in your local community.\u201d<\/p>\n