More than 170 children in the City of Gosnells are enjoying sports equipment donations thanks to the City’s Equip-me for Sport program.

The program, which was delivered in April by the City in partnership with Fair Game Australia and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), has given KidSport eligible families much-needed support with the costs associated with keeping their kids active.

Mayor David Goode said the cost of sports equipment was a significant barrier for many local families, particularly those with many children.

“Through the Equip-me for Sport program, the City has been able to distribute sports equipment needed by local families, such as boots, bats, balls, helmets, racquets and other specialist items,” he said.

“We’re especially proud that, as the only local government to have such a partnership with Fair Game, these donations are going directly to help young people improve their health, social connections and general wellbeing.

“The immediate benefits are clear and the City believes this project will also have a long-term effect with regards to community health and the viability of our sporting clubs.”

The City first joined forces with Fair Game in 2020, distributing over 250 items to meet 79 online requests for sports packs. This year, those requests grew to 173, with 496 items shared among local families

Fair Game Chief Executive Officer Nicki Bardwell said the organisation was always looking for new ways to get sports equipment to those who needed it and was proud to be part of the Equip-me for Sport program.

“The feedback we have received from recipients has shown the program is making a big difference to the ability of families to make sport affordable for their children,” she said.

KidSport is a program delivered by DLGSC in partnership with Local Governments throughout Western Australia, to give eligible WA children aged 5 to 18 years an opportunity to participate in community sport. KidSport provides two $150 vouchers per child each calendar year to assist with the cost of club fees, and in 2021 vouchers have also been doubled to help families reconnect through sport.

To learn more about KidSport or the Equip-me for Sport program, please visit the City’s website at gosnells.wa.gov.au, email community@gosnells.wa.gov.au or call 9397 3000.

Kidsport can also be contacted directly by calling 9492 9911, emailing kidsport@dlgsc.wa.gov.au or visiting dlgsc.wa.gov.au/kidsport.

Caption:
The City’s Mayor David Goode and Fair Game CEO Nicki Bardwell with local netballer Jasmine Kaikai, who has received sports equipment donations through the Equip-me for Sport program.

Published on

26th May 2021