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Grants and awards Volunteers | June 21, 2017

Kealy – embrace a healthy lifestyle

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has congratulated three sporting clubs in the Lowan electorate who will share in more than $500,000 in funding as part of the latest round of VicHealth’s Active Club Grants.

The successful clubs are the Edenhope Golf Club ($3,000), Lake Bolac and District Bowling Club ($2,770) and Volleyball Horsham ($3,000).

The funding will help these local sport clubs deliver more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport, and provide more social, flexible and accessible sport programs. The grants will also provide more opportunities for people from disadvantaged communities to take part in sport.

“These grants will make a significant difference to communities and help more local residents get involved in community sports”, Ms Kealy said.

“We want to support locals to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age, gender or ability.

“Due to not enough hours in the day, a lack of confidence or other society pressures, many Lowan residents just aren’t fitting the recommended amount of physical activity into their week.

“With these Active Club Grants, local sport clubs will be able to deliver a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get active, regardless of ability.

“Regular physical activity not only protects against many illnesses, it also makes us mentally healthy, alert and resilient against the stresses of modern life,” she said.

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the grants will help more Lowan residents to make physical activity part of their day-to-day life.

“This program is about supporting Victoria’s grassroots sport clubs to provide a wider range of

opportunities for everyone to get involved in,” Ms Rechter said.

“Successful clubs across Lowan will be able to use these grants to respond to growing numbers of women and girls wanting to play sport.

“Non-traditional, social and modified sports are also becoming an increasingly popular choice, and some of the successful clubs will deliver creative and flexible sports programs to help locals fit exercise into their busy daily routines.

“I encourage Lowan residents to get involved in their local sports clubs – it’s a fun way to keep active while connecting with like-minded people in your local community,” she said.