Paddle Australia partners with Sporting Schools Program

Sport Australia has reported that Paddle Australia has become the latest sport to join its Sporting Schools Program.

The paddle programs Paddle Discovery and Paddle Ball will now be included in the list of sports programs that are offered at schools by more than 30 national sporting organisations.

The programs offer an entry level fun program and provide a quality, enjoyable, sociable and safe introduction to paddling for secondary students aged from 12 to 14 years.

Sporting Schools programs for secondary schools supports the delivery of attractive and relevant sporting experiences to children in a wide range of sports and activities. It is a targeted program for students in Year 7 and 8 aimed at addressing the barriers that prevent teenagers from participating in sport.

Explaining that being part of this program will enable secondary school age children to experience the sport of paddling, many for the first time, Paddle Australia Chief Executive, Phil Jones advised “Paddle Australia is delighted to become part of Sporting Schools. Sporting Schools is a fantastic initiative from Sport Australia, helping schools increase children’s participation and opportunities in sport.

“We know that research shows that quality sport and physical activity in schools has a positive influence on children’s confidence, competence and motivation to be active at school and throughout their life and Paddle Australia is delighted to be part of such an important program.

“We look forward to introducing more children to the unique benefits that paddling offers,” Jones added.

Paddle Australia’s Paddle Discovery and Paddle Ball programs will be included in the Sporting Schools targeted secondary school program as of Term 1, 2020, with funding applications open since Monday 11th November and closing on 22nd November 2019.

Both programs on offer introduce participants to basic water safety and paddling techniques in an experiential manner through a range of games and activities. The Paddle Ball program aims to introduce young people to the sport of Canoe Polo using a modified version of the game.

The Paddle Discovery program aims to introduce young people to the activity of paddling. Participants will be able to learn basic paddle skills through the use of games and a fun environment, discovering what an exciting activity paddling can be.

The Paddle Ball program aims to introduce young people to the sport of Canoe Polo using a modified version of the game, known as Paddle Ball. The aim of the program is to promote an activity that can be delivered by a school on their local waterway or pool with little ongoing support required.

Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools to increase children’s participation in sport, and to connect them with community sporting opportunities.

Sporting Schools programs are provided free to children and their families to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life.

To help achieve this, Sport Australia has partnered with more than 30 national sporting organisations (NSOs). There is a program for primary schools, and a targeted program for Year 7 and 8 students in secondary schools.

Interested schools can apply for program funding at www.sportaus.gov.au/schools/schools/funding#how_to_apply

Click here for more information on the Sporting Schools Program.

Image courtesy of Paddle Australia.