With community sport and recreation activities returning as COVID-19 restrictions ease, the NSW Government today announced a Community Sport Recovery Package to support the sector get back on its feet.
The $27.3 million recovery package includes financial support and assistance for sport and recreation organisations across NSW.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the recovery package was not just about helping sports survive but thrive.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s lives, including the sport and recreation sector,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW has 5.4 million adults and over 900,000 children participating in sport and recreation, 415,000 volunteers and 30,000 employees. The pandemic has clearly placed a major strain on community sport and recreation organisations.
“Today’s assistance includes financial support for all levels of community sport and will ensure organisations survive the crisis as well as helping millions of NSW residents resume activities they love in a safe environment.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recovery package was also about stimulating the local economy.
“The fast-tracked grants will not only help support community sport organisations but contribute to the economies of local communities across NSW,” he said.
Up to $1,000 grants will be provided to close to 12,500 local sporting clubs and associations across the State to assist clubs for when sport resumes on 1 July.
Funding is provided to State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and State Sporting Organisations for people with disabilities (SSODs), to ensure local sporting competitions can be run across the State over the next 12 months.
Finally, Regional Academies of Sport will also receive funding to maintain elite pathways for aspiring athletes across NSW.
This funding is in addition to the $35 million of grant programs and the $127 million continued investment in the Active Kids program for 2020/21.
