Tasmanian grassroots clubs and schools partner to increase participation in sport

A partnership between the Tasmanian Government, Lauderdale Primary School, Basketball Tasmania and the Grenadiers Basketball Club identified and implemented improvements to the school gym to provide children with the infrastructure they need to participate in grassroots basketball.

The project was funded by the Tasmanian Government’s Improving the Playing Fields Grant Program with Minister for Sport and Recreation, Nic Street noting “this grants program provides financial assistance to upgrade amenities at sporting facilities around Tasmania, allowing them to cater for all participants.

“The improvements consist of new backboard and ring infrastructure, allowing height adjustments to be made for younger age groups.

“It is as a result of these improvements, new accessible, low-cost basketball programs are now available on Hobart’s Eastern Shore for a growing number of young participants, as well as improved facilities for youth in the community.”

Lauderdale Primary School has a long-standing relationship with the Grenadiers Basketball Club.

Tasmanian Minister for Education Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch said it was fantastic to see the school and the club coming together to address the need for enhanced facilities for grassroots participants.

“To further address the needs of community sporting clubs, the Department for Education, Children and Young People has recently appointed three Community Liaison roles to support and facilitate the use of Government school facilities outside of school hours,” Minister Jaensch added.

“Many of our schools currently work with sporting clubs to ensure their members can access the facilities they need to safely train and play.

“The primary purpose of the new roles is to assist Government schools to maximise the out-of-hours use of their facilities, work with sporting organisations to identify upgrades that may be required and grow sport and physical activity participation in our communities.

“These roles will also look to establish more formal relationships with sporting clubs, sporting organisations and community groups to promote ongoing participation in sport through improved access to school facilities.”

The Tasmanian Government will continue to work closely with local sporting clubs to provide the best possible facilities for sport and recreation in Tasmania.

Image. Credit: Grenadiers Basketball Club