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Local sport and active recreation clubs now have two opportunities to apply for VicHealth’s Active Club Grants, which aim to get more people in Victoria physically active.

Grants of up to $3,000 are on offer to community sport and active recreation clubs across Victoria to assist with the purchase of essential sporting, and injury prevention and management equipment.

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said this year’s Active Club Grants have been split into two rounds.

“To create greater opportunities for clubs to access Active Club Grants, VicHealth will run two rounds of funding, opening today (15 September) and again in January 2015,” Ms Rechter said.

“Active Club Grants tackle two major barriers that prevent people from taking part in sport and active recreation – cost and injury.”

For over 26 years, VicHealth has provided small grants to over 10,000 community sport and active recreation clubs across Victoria. The Active Club Grants recognise the important role local clubs play in increasing physical activity and helping communities stay connected.

“These grants aim to make it a little easier for clubs to buy items or equipment to encourage people to join their club, and help them improve safety for those taking part,” she said.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon. Damian Drum said being more active and less sedentary every day is important to the health of Victorians.   
 
“Less than a third of Australians are getting enough physical activity to benefit their health. The value that club sport and active recreation provides in terms of improving physical, mental and social health, as well as delivering health messages is well recognised,” Mr Drum said.

Priority will be given to applications from clubs/organisations who can demonstrate that an Active Club Grant will increase opportunities for regular physical activity in their community.

For further information or to apply online, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub.

Round 1 – opens Monday 15 September, and closes Friday 10 October 2014.
Round 2 – opens Monday 12 January, and closes Friday 13 February 2015.

Media enquires: VicHealth Senior Media Advisor Jane Gardner [email protected] 03 9667 1319/ 0435 761 732