Spence gives $225,000 boost to rugby league in lead up to Origin 2

Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced a $225,000 boost for rugby league in the lead up to tonight’s blockbuster Game II in the State of Origin.

Ms Spence said: “I have approved $75,000 a year for three years to fund a community development officer to encourage women and girls and people over 35 to continue playing rugby league.

“In this way we can help league reach out to a wider audience and also promote exercise in our fight against obesity.

“We so often think that only our boys play rugby league, but there are a growing number of women and girls interested in the sport and the Queensland Rugby League is to be congratulated for putting this program together”.

“The problem at the moment is that once girls reach the age of 13 they are unable to play in mixed competitions and senior women’s competitions don’t start until they are 16 years of age.

“The Women’s Program will provide two new opportunities (full contact or League Tag) to keep 13 to 16 year old girls throughout Queensland involved and create a pathway into senior competition or administrative roles”, Ms Spence said.

QRL Managing Director Ross Livermore welcomed the funding boost.

Mr Livermore said: “The QRL has been working hard over the past few years to encourage more women and girls to be involved in the sport and this funding will really help those efforts.

“It’s also pleasing that the new Masters Program is also being supported through this sponsorship package.

“We promote a social form of rugby league for older men and women so they can continue playing.

“There are modified rules to help protect older players and games are of a shorter duration.

“Those who no longer feel they can play will be encouraged to take on other volunteer roles,” Mr Livermore said.

Ms Spence said: “A key priority for the Queensland Government is to encourage more Queenslanders to lead an active, healthy lifestyle – no matter what age group.

“Our Find Your 30 campaign, which I launched in March is all about demonstrating how simple it is to find 30 minutes in our day to participate in physical activity”.

“The QRL’s Masters Program will complement our message by providing the opportunity for people who have held an interest in rugby league for many years to get involved in the sport in a fun, social setting, as well as expanding the opportunity for local masters’ competitions”.

Ms Spence said that the Queensland Government’s sponsorship of these innovative rugby league programs builds on its proud record of providing more funding for sport and recreation than any other State or Territory Government.

“We do this because we recognise the enormous social, health and physical benefits that Queenslanders derive from participating in sport and recreation”.

“While I know the Maroons will do us proud this evening, Queenslanders can also be proud of the fact that we are supporting the growth of one of our favourite sports in local communities”, Ms Spence said.

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