AFL Qeensland CEO Richard Griffiths today welcomed the State Government’s $1million funding program for sporting programs in North Queensland.
Friday, 18 June, 2010
AFL Qeensland chief executive Richard Griffiths today welcomed the State Government’s $1million-plus funding program to assist the development of sporting programs in North Queensland.
This came after Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves (pictured) announced the financial support to AFL, rugby league and hockey specifically for sport in Cape York and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reeves said AFL and rugby league would each receive $450,000 over three years, and hockey $384,000 over the same period.
The announcement in Cairns will be followed by visits to communities such as Arukun, Weipa, Prmpuraaw, Kowanyama and Julia Creek, where the Sport Minister will stop off at various schools and safe houses.
Griffiths, travelling with the Sport Minister, confirmed that the money would help AFL Cape York to deliver and expand its delivery of football programs throughout communities in the Cape.
“This is a critical initiative for AFL Queensland because growth of the game in these areas has been so rapid it’s difficult at times to keep up the supply of facilities and services,” Griffiths said.
“I want to publicly thank the Queensland Government and Minister Reeves for their ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of indigenous youth through sporting programs.”
Mr Reeves said the Queensland Government was committed to developing more sport and recreation opportunities for Indigenous people as part of its drive to making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.
“Participating in sport can also be a positive diversion from a range of community issues, boost self esteem and promote team work and social cohesion,” he said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Desley Boyle said the State Government had identified that the Cape York and Torres Strait communities needed more sporting programs and opportunities.
“The communities advised the government sport and recreation opportunities were limited due isolation and ability to access this type of sporting activity” she said.
“Now, thanks to this funding, these communities will benefit from the exciting new sports programs that are planned.”
Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the Queensland Government’s commitment of this funding was a reminder of theTowards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland priority to make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.
“We hope that by improving access to sporting opportunities in local communities, more people will be assisted to develop a passion for, and get the benefits of, physical activity,” he said.
