An increasing number of children in Wangara, Western Australia and surrounding areas are taking part in local sports as part of the ‘KidSport’ programme.
Since the State Government initiative was launched in 2011, $1 million in sporting vouchers have been handed out by the City of Wanneroo to benefit the children in the area.
According to Mayor Tracey Roberts, the KidSport programme administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation is aimed at children aged between 5 and 18 years old, and assists by providing up to $200 towards each child’s sport club fees.
She said Wanneroo had claimed sporting vouchers worth over a million dollars so far and was the first local government area in the State to hit such a high total.
Mayor Roberts said the city had given out only 37 vouchers in 2011, but participation had risen to an all-time high in 2015 with more than 2,000 children receiving the assistance.
The boost in numbers, she said, was helped by local clubs and their enthusiasm to see as many children as possible participating in sporting activities which for some outstanding achievers could lead to ultimate success on the world stage at events such as the Olympics.
While local businesses such as printing companies and professional offices often helped fund some community activities, the Mayor said the award-winning KidSport programme aimed specifically at uniting the community through sport.
