Get in the game in 2014

Queensland sport stars have urged the state’s children to give sport a try in 2014, while launching the third round of Get Startedat the Queensland Reds Fan Day.

Get Started is one of three programs under the Newman Government’s flagship $47.8 million Get in the Game initiative, which is designed to help Queenslanders get active.

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson said the program encouraged more children and young people to get into sport and helped ease the financial burden on families.

“Get Started provides vouchers valued up to $150 to help kids whose families can least afford for them to join a sport or recreation club,” Mr Dickson said

“Elite athletes like the Queensland Reds got their start at a local club, which is why we’re supporting grassroots sport and recreation through initiatives like Get Started.”

“Round one and two was a great success, with almost 19,000 vouchers redeemed at a sport or recreation club, of which more than $71,000 was allocated for around 500 children to participate in rugby union alone.”

Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Jim Carmichael said the Get Started program complemented Queensland Rugby participation programs and encouraged kids to give rugby a try.

“We are pleased to see that more than a quarter of a million Queenslanders - male and female - are playing rugby, some for the first time. They are the Reds players and fans of the future,” Mr Carmichael said.

Mr Dickson said Get in the Game’s success showed sport and recreation had been neglected by the former government.

“We made an election commitment to get more young Queenslanders involved in recreation and sport, and we are delivering through this highly successful program,” he said.

“The response to all three programs has been so overwhelming that we have increased Get in the Game funding from $16 million over three years to almost $48 million.”

For more information on Get in the Game, visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 9 February 2013

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647