Australia to support sports development
The Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, H.E. Kathy Klugman,
announced that Australia will provide approximately Rs. 3 million for
innovative sports programs being run by two community organisations in
Sri Lanka.
The funding will be provided under the Australian Government's Sports
Outreach Program Sports Development Grant.
Announcing the grants, the Australian High Commissioner said
"Australia is a world leader in sports development at both the elite and
the community level. Sports can play an important role in building
healthy communities and in promoting community cohesion.Australia's
Sports Outreach Grant Program is an international program and
competition for funding is intense so I am very pleased Australia is
able to fund two projects in Sri Lanka in the coming year".
The Trincomalee-based Organisation for Enhancement of Relief and
Rehabilitation will receive approximately Rs. 1.5 million for a project
titled 'Sports for Children in conflict and tsunami affected area. The
project will equip 40 schools in the Trincomalee Education Zone to
launch high quality sporting activities. The project will focus on
training sports coaches, the development of sporting guidelines and the
provision of sporting equipment for target schools. It will also support
the organisation of zonal sports events. The project will benefit some
4,000 students.
Australia will also fund a project titled 'Sports for Life: Rural
Cricket Development', developed and delivered by the Foundation of
Godness in Seenigama in Southern Province. The project aims to uplift
the lives of rural youth by providing access to sports coaching,
training and life skills at the Seenigama Sports Academy. As well as
having access to the physical activities, beneficiaries will also
receive help with nutrition and personal development.
The Australian Sports Outreach Program has been operating since 2006
and is managed by the Australian Sports Commission.
Its goal is to help deliver inclusive sports-based programs that
contribute to social development in countries around the world.
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