Swimming Australia launches grant program to encourage physical activity

Community groups and organisations from across Australia are being invited by Swimming Australia to apply to the Community Swimming Grants Program aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing barriers to participation for people with disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Funded by the Sport Australia Move It AUS - Participation Grants Program, community organisations can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to fund projects that increase physical activity and reduce barriers to access.

The grants are specifically aimed at assisting people with a disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as these groups of people can often face increased barriers when it comes to accessing swimming opportunities.

Swimming Australia’s Chief Sport Performance Matthew Kennedy said it was fantastic to be able to offer the grants with the support of the Australian Government through the Move it AUS campaign, advising “we are aiming to increase physical activity and remove barriers to participation that will assist in getting more Australian’s moving.

“These barriers can include cost, transport, language and cultural differences.

“We know physical activity delivers a range of physical and mental health benefits and has a positive flow on effect within communities.

“Swimming Australia is committed to making swimming accessible and inclusive for all Australians and our goal, through these grants, is to support access to swimming and aquatics for 3,200 new participants.”

Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck noted that the initiative aims to make swimming as accessible as possible so more Australians could benefit from sport and physical activity.

Senator Colbeck noted “swimming is a hugely popular sport in Australia, and the great thing about swimming is that it can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, at every stage of life.

“Supporting more Australians to get more active more often is a priority for our Government and we’re delighted to be working with Swimming Australia to deliver greater access to swimming and aquatic activities for up to 3,200 people through this program.

“Within this program, grants may be used to subsidise the costs associated with delivering swimming and aquatics activities such as entry fees, lane hire or membership fees.

For more information on how to apply go to www.swimming.org.au/community-swimming-grants