Sport to build brighter futures for vulnerable children

State Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace and Child Safety and Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves have launched a partnership between Softball Queensland and child protection advocate ACT for Kids that aims to use sport to help build brighter futures for vulnerable children.
Grace explained "sport can break down barriers by teaching kids important values and life skills including self confidence, teamwork and respect.
"These skills are especially important for children in care, and this partnership will raise the awareness of child safety in the community.
"The initiative will utilise the Queensland Heat and Queensland Patriots as ACT for Kids Crusaders, and there will be joint fundraising opportunities at designated softball events and other recreational activities."
Minister Reeves said this partnership will create a better understanding and acceptance of foster care and encourage more people to take on the rewarding role of being a foster parent, adding "with more than 40 Clubs and Associations and about 12,550 full active members across the state, the potential benefit is enormous.
"I commend Softball Queensland and ACT for Kids for their leadership and the Bligh Government is proud to work alongside these organisations to help Queensland children reach their full potential.
"The Bligh Government has made the tough economic decisions so we can better support our vulnerable children and young people."
Since 1998, the Queensland Government has provided funding of more than $6.3 million to the sport of softball.
ACT for Kids currently receives triennial funding of almost $6.9 million to provide vital services including intensive therapy for kids, Safe Houses in remote Indigenous communities, and on the Gold Coast as part of the Queensland Government's $55 million Helping Out Families initiative.

http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au