To help sport bounce back following the COVID-19 pandemic, $1.024 million will be made available through Round 50 of the Active Club Program (ACP), where clubs may receive up to $3,000 in equipment and program funding.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said it is essential sport and recreation organisations are given every opportunity to rebuild given the pivotal role they play in our society.

“There is no doubt South Australian sporting clubs are still dealing with the ongoing ramifications of the global pandemic, including having to spend more cash on COVID-safe supplies such as hand sanitiser, face masks and COVID Marshal vests,” Minister Wingard said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to supporting grassroots sporting organisations during these tough times by providing a financial boost because they are the lifeblood of local communities.

“Through our clubs, we provide a way for people of all ages to keep fit, have fun, contribute to their community and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is part of our Game On strategic framework to get more South Australians moving.”

As part of its commitment to support all levels of sport across the state, the Marshall Liberal Government has also opened applications for the South Australian Sport Institute’s (SASI’s) Individual Athlete Program (IAP).

This Program provides a 12-month athlete scholarship, including financial support and performance services to individual athletes who are committed to taking their ability to the highest national and international levels.

“This support program has made a positive and lasting difference for many South Australian athletes,” Minister Wingard said.

“Eleven IAP scholars were selected to represent Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with two athletes claiming three medals on the highly competitive world stage.

“In 2022, we’re providing $135,000 for the next round of successful applicants; part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s commitment to helping South Australians achieve their sporting dreams.”

The IAP is open to individuals competing in an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games sport.

In conjunction with the opening of the IAP, Country Athlete awards are also being offered to South Australian junior athletes (aged 13 – 18 on or before 31 December 2020) who have been identified as having the potential to progress into the senior ranks and have a permanent residence more than 130km from the Adelaide GPO.

Applications for the ACP will be open until midday 17 November 2021 and applications for the IAP will be open until midday 3 November 2021.

Since 1996 the ACP has provided more than $52 million in funding through more than 11,500 grants to local community organisations.

More information can be found at www.orsr.sa.gov.au/funding