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This article was published on Friday, 24 June, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Local sporting program wins national award

The Sporting Chance Program won the Programs, Activities and Events category and then went on to win the Overall Innovations Award in the inaugural Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Industry Awards.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community Kaye Thomson said “The shortlisted competitors in our category were two significant metro programs – the YMCA Active Moreland Program and Sunshine Coast Council Heart Week Expo – so it is quite an achievement to beat two metropolitan councils.”

“To win the overall award we were competing against some really significant projects across six other categories including City of Boroondara’s multi-million dollar centre re-development, Ballarat Regional Sports Park Re-Development, City of Geelong, Tennis Victoria, Hornsby Shire Council and the Deakin University (Geelong) Multi-Sport Precinct Development,” said Ms Thomson.

Family Care CEO David Tennant said it was well deserved recognition for a program that makes a difference in so many people’s lives. “Family Care is thrilled with the win for this partnership program. We firmly believe that no family and especially no child should miss out on participating in sport because of financial pressures,” said Mr Tennant.

As winners of the category the program receives a trophy and a $1,000 cheque and as overall winner a $5,000 cheque from FieldTurf Tarket. Ms Thomson said the funds will be invested back into the program to enable it to continue and grow.

The Sporting Chance Program is a partnership between Greater Shepparton City Council and Family Care who administer the program on Council’s behalf. It was established to ensure all Greater Shepparton residents can actively participate in sport and recreation, regardless of their means, through access to small grants.

Sporting Chance can fund registration and membership fees, uniforms, appropriate footwear and equipment up to $150 for approved applicants. Since the program commenced in 2014 a total of 640 Greater Shepparton residents have received a grant. A total of $69,295 has been distributed in grants amongst a range of sports including football, netball, tennis, cricket, golf, gymnastics, BMX as well as gym memberships and swimming lessons.

CLICK HERE for details on the Sporting Chance program