Australian Greens spokesperson for sport and health today announced a new Greens initiative to boost access to community sport and combat childhood obesity.

“Rather than just pumping more money into elite sport the Greens want to make it easier for all kids to participate in sport,” said Senator Di Natale.

“Sport has huge benefits for our communities and our health, yet many kids don’t participate in any sport or physical activity. The cost of participating has risen much faster than inflation and it’s a big barrier for some families. Kids from low income households are most likely to benefit but they’re also the ones most likely to miss out.

“The Greens would fund the Australian Sports Commission to conduct a series of initiatives intended to boost participation in sport amongst kids. These initiatives include subsidies for membership to sporting clubs, training and support for volunteers and sports administrators, and “libraries” of sporting equipment.

“Australia’s performance at the Olympics has once again put sports funding under the spotlight, but it appears that we still haven’t learned the lessons from four years ago.

“The Crawford Review, conducted after the Beijing Olympics clearly recommended a shift in funding priorities and a new focus on grassroots and community sport.

“Investing in grassroots sport is an investment in communities. It’s an investment in the health of our kids and the future of Australia’s healthcare system.

“And that investment might just produce the next Sally Pearson or Cadel Evans.”

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600

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