Games legacy kicks goals for sporting groups

Published Thursday, 12 October, 2017 at 02:00 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Queensland Rugby Union is one of 13 sporting organisations to share in a $500,000 federally-funded grants program under the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Embracing 2018 sports legacy program.  

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones joined Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker at Parliament House today to announce a $40,000 grant for the Queensland Rugby Female Sevens State Championships for under-15 and under-17 girls.

“It’s great to see girls’ rugby kicking goals as a result of these grants,” she said.

“We have a proud history of producing outstanding athletes and these grants, along with our new and upgraded sporting facilities for the Games, will help ensure our sportsmen and women continue to lead the way.

“These grants couldn’t have come at a better time with sports in the spotlight and the Games less than six months away.

“Our world-class Commonwealth Games sporting venues are another positive legacy for future generations of Queenslanders keen to make their mark in the sporting world.”

Sport Minister Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government is providing great opportunities for Queenslanders to get involved in Commonwealth Games sports.

“Queensland is a powerhouse for sport, but more importantly sport is a way to build supportive communities around shared values like resilience, determination, and mateship.

“Grants were awarded for a range of projects, such as this fantastic new tournament, which will inspire young women and girls to achieve bigger and better than ever.

“It’s about encouraging the sports stars of tomorrow,” Mr de Brenni said.

Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman congratulated the QRU for supporting women and girls through their sporting initiatives.

“I’m delighted that the Embracing 2018 Sports Grants is supporting the Queensland Rugby Female Sevens State Championships.

“It’s hosted by the Logan City Saints Rugby Union Football Club in my local community, so it’s a win-win for me.

“Other successful projects include a track cycling program for women and girls, and netball opportunities for Indigenous women in St George, Cunnamulla and Charleville,” Ms Fentiman said.

Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said: “Rugby Sevens is the fastest growing women’s sport in Australia, with 563 per cent growth in junior girls alone since our gold medal triumph at the Rio Olympics.

“Some of the girls at our state championships will hopefully have the chance to star in the Tokyo Olympics and almost certainly at the next Commonwealth Games.

“The QRU is working on new, innovative ways to improve our girls’ competitions and these state championships are the first step in cementing the legacy of our national success.”

A total of 13 state-level sporting organisations were awarded the federally-funded Embracing 2018 Sports Grants:

  • Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Sport and Recreation Association of Queensland
  • Hockey Queensland
  • Queensland Gymnastics Association
  • Queensland Cyclists Association
  • Queensland Netball Association
  • Queensland Clay Target Association
  • Queensland Weightlifting Association
  • Queensland Athletics Association
  • Queensland Rugby Union
  • Table Tennis Queensland
  • Queensland Target Sports
  • Boxing Queensland
  • Queensland Basketball Association

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from 4 - 15 April 2018.

For more information on the Embracing 2018 Sports Grants program, visit www.embracing2018.com.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3719 7530

Media contact: QRU 3354 9344