Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said the $10.3 million initiative will support up to 40 new inclusive, high-quality sport and physical activity experiences across the country.

“COVID-19 has impacted so many Australians and sport continues to face ongoing challenges because of the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.

“This program will deliver community-based participation programs to help tens of thousands of Australians get active and return to sport when it is safe to do so.

“Through this program, the Australian Government is investing in innovative new participation programs that bring communities together and make them stronger, more resilient and active.”

The new round of funding follows the programs successful first round held in 2018-19 and 2019-20, which delivered 62 sport and physical activity programs.

Projects previously funded include Touch Football Australia’s All Abilities program which provided more than 1300 people with a disability the opportunity to participate in the sport, with 709 participants staying involved in touch football after completing a six-week program.

Gymnastics Australia’s KinderGym project reached over 23,000 children aged five years and over through state and territory associations and clubs, with more than 10,000 children continuing with gymnastics programs.

While the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s Deadly Running project provided 212 participants in four remote communities across Australia the opportunity to become qualified run coaches and deliver Deadly Fun Runs and Walks in their community.

Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said participation in sport and being physically active is essential for building and maintaining a happy, healthy and connected nation.

“The Sport Australia Participation Grant Program will help more Australians enjoy the social, personal and health benefits participating in community sport and physical activity brings,” Mr Dalton said.

Applications are open now until Friday 8 October and successful recipients will be notified in November.

More information is available via the Sport Australia grants and funding page.