Shire continues support for kids in sport


The Shire of Broome is continuing its support of a program that has already provided financial assistance to help 255 kids take part in organised sporting activities.

The KidSport program provides financial support to help children between 5 and 18 who could not otherwise afford to take part in organised sport, and the Shire has secured a new $29,000 grant from the WA Department of Sport and Recreation.

Shire of Broome Club Development Officer, Mike Doyle, said the inaugural KidSport agreement contributed $18,603 towards club membership fees for 255 kids, with plenty of positive outcomes.

“The majority of registered children were participating in a structured club program for the first time, and in some instances youths who would not have been able to afford to play have gone on and represented their town or assisted as an official,” Mr Doyle said.

He said the program had developed new partnerships with organisations in communities such as Bidyadanga and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point).  “We’ve had terrific support from schools, social service organisations, and the sports clubs,” Mr Doyle said.

La Grange Remote Community School Numeracy Co-ordinator, Daniel Steele, said the funding had enabled a team to play regularly in Broome Basketball Association’s under 18 competition.  “There has been an amazing increase in the young men’s attendance at school and on-time arrival, which has led to more KidSport applications being filled out, and more young men at school,” Mr Steele said.

Mr Doyle said anyone with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card could apply for KidSport funding on their child’s behalf.  “Hopefully this new agreement will help even more children and encourage them to join local sporting clubs,” he said.

For more information visit Shire of Broome