AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues to play havoc on local sports, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has doubled down on his commitment to help keep grassroots sport alive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mr Anderson's vow comes after the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) released the results of a survey, which indicated grassroots sport across the country needed $1.2 billion to survive the pandemic.
Including 70,000 sports clubs Australia-wide, the survey showed that over 16,000 clubs nationally are thought to be at risk of closure if funding support isn't provided within the next six months.
Mr Anderson said he would do all he could to ensure the region's strong sporting clubs survived going forward.
"One of my main focuses is trying to ensure our region's sporting clubs have the best facilities on offer via a wide range of grant opportunities," Mr Anderson told the Leader.
"Whether it's funding to help build a new stadium like Scully Park, funds to build a new toilet block, or funds to resurface a playing field, we are always looking to do what we can to help.
"Every time an application for funding from a community sporting group comes to me, I do my best to back it 100 per cent.
Read Also:
ASF chief executive officer Patrick Walker said the survey also revealed 70 per cent of small clubs forecast a reduction in the number of participants due to the lockdown, while a 43 per cent forecast a decline in volunteers.
"Our survey shows that without financial support thousands of community clubs risk insolvency in the months ahead, which presents a real risk to the physical and mental health of our communities," Mr Walker said.
"This is not just a sporting crisis, but a national crisis and the return to sporting activity, whenever it happens, does not mean the crisis is over - indeed, it is just beginning.
"To solve a problem of this scale requires a collaborative approach, so we are calling on all who care about the role of sport in creating healthy, inclusive communities to help us fund grassroots sport's recovery."
Mr Anderson said while few sporting clubs had reached out to him for assistance, he was open to supporting clubs in any way he could.
"I want every dollar and cent I can for sporting clubs across our region," he said.
"Applications are always most welcome in my office and I have a database that alerts me when a new funding program becomes available, so I can contact the clubs first.
"Sport is so important for our community, our physical health and our mental health, so I will be doing all I can to support it going forward."