Play Well the focus of Australia’s first Sport Participation Strategy
Aussies are being called on to Play Well as part of the nation’s first co-designed Sport Participation Strategy released today.
With safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun experiences at the heart of it, Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy is a united approach with a vision that ‘everyone has a place in sport.’
The new Strategy and the Play Well ethos compliments Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy, which is built on creating an environment where athletes and sports can Win Well.
Creating great sporting environments and experiences is central to the Strategy which focuses on people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities coming together to access the benefits of sport.
To mark today’s launch, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), through support from the Australian Government, has opened a $10.3 million Play Well Participation Grant program to kickstart this exciting new era.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM is a member of the Strategy’s Project Steering Group which oversaw the development of the Strategy and said it’s a defining moment for Australian sport.
“Sport matters to so many Australians but our experiences engaging with sport have been vastly different,” Mr Perkins said.
“We’ve listened to the system and we recognise that sport needs to change so that everyone feels welcome.
“We acknowledge that delivering community sport is getting harder. Spaces to play sport are few and far between, especially in regional areas, and the current sport system is often too structured which turns participants away.
“By working together, we can address some of the barriers and challenges and build a stronger Australia.”
The Strategy is built around six priority areas:
Sport NSW CEO and Project Steering Group member Stuart Hodge said the Strategy presents an opportunity for the sector to focus on what is needed for Australians to Play Well.
“Sport plays a massive role in building communities. An aligned, national plan will lead to better connections between those involved in sport and result in greater recognition, investment and support for the sector,” he said.
The Strategy provides a roadmap over three horizons to 2032 and beyond.
The ASC’s Play Well Participation Grant program is a key activity of the Strategy’s Horizon 1 which focuses on aligning the sector and driving participation in sport.
National sport and physical activity organisations will be able to apply for grants to deliver innovative projects that drive a lifelong involvement in sport.
Local Government Councils can also apply for funding to host Come & Try days and multi-sport festivals in their communities that promote equitable access for all. Applications for the Play Well Participation Grant Program are open until 23 February 2024.
The quotes below can be attributed to the Strategy’s Project Steering Group members:
Tracy Taylor, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation RMIT University said: “All Australians should have the opportunity to participate in sport for fun, health, social connection, and community belonging. This Strategy gives Australians a voice in shaping sport in ways that bring positive impacts into the lives of the many diverse communities across our country. Investing in our sport system and organisations will not only build current capacity and capabilities, but will set us up to future proof sport for future generations.”
Dr Phil Hamdorf, Chair Disability Sports Australia / Chair Skate Australia said: “I believe the Play Well Sport Participation Strategy has the potential to become a significant 'sector influencer.' This Strategy acknowledges the need for transformation within the sport sector to thrive and maintain relevance in the future. As communities evolve in how they engage with and participate in sport, the sector must adapt accordingly. The Strategy aims to reshape the concept of sport to accommodate and promote the wellbeing of all individuals.”
Assmaah Helal, Chief Operating Officer Creating Chances said: “The Strategy will be an important tool to support the sports ecosystem to take a collaborative approach in designing and delivering activities that are fun, safe and inclusive. The more people who feel like they belong in the community and are provided with meaningful experiences the more likely they will commit and contribute and eventually inspire others to do the same in and through sport.”
Meghan Mayman, Executive Officer, Regional Sport Victoria said: “Sport is more than wins and losses. It creates opportunities to connect, gather and support one another. Everyone involved in delivering sport helps determine if participants have a positive experience and return. We need to support the people who make sport possible as it will give us the best chance of achieving our vision – that everyone has a place in sport.”
Sunil Menon, Head of Community, Melbourne City FC said: “We want everyone to feel comfortable and reflected in sport, to be able to consume it at their own pace and time. We know there are many changing factors involved in participation, and I hope that we can look back in years to come and say that we made the most of this great opportunity to advance the participation of sport in Australia.”
