Kids and clubs continue to Get in the Game in 2014

More Queensland children and their families will be able to get active this year, as round three of the Queensland Government’s flagship Get in the Game initiative opens next month with $21 million in funding from this year’s budget.

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson said the three-program initiatives were aimed at lowering the cost of living for Queensland families as promised at the election, as well as supporting local sport and recreation clubs.

“The overwhelming success of Get in the Game programs saw the original three year budget commitment nearly tripled in 2012 to almost $48 million over three years,” Mr Dickson said.

“No doubt we’ll replicate that success when the next rounds of funding begin next month, with Get Going and Get Playing opening on 1 July and Get Started on 15 July.

“So far almost 54,000 Get Started vouchers of up to $150 have been issued state-wide to help children with club registrations.

“It’s pleasing to know that under the first three rounds of Get Started 26 per cent of vouchers were issued to children who had not played club sport before.

“Times are tough, with many families spending thousands of dollars on sport fees, and Labor had no plan to make it easier.

“We have a strong plan for a brighter future that involves more kids playing sport, not missing out because of the expense.

“We want to see more Queenslanders, more active, more often.

“Additionally, almost $7 million has been distributed to clubs for equipment and training under the Get Going program and more than $14 million paid for infrastructure projects under the Get Playing program

“I expect we’ll receive another overwhelming response for round three of Get Going and Get Playing and I encourage all sport and recreation clubs to seek support for their planned activities and facilities.”

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

[ENDS] 6 June 2014

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647