28 March 2006
Hundreds of items of sporting equipment used in the Commonwealth Games will be gifted to sporting clubs throughout Victoria.
The Premier, Steve Bracks, said the equipment, ranging from netball bibs to pole vault mats and basketballs would be distributed as part of the Victorian Government’s Commonwealth Games ‘Staying Involved’ program.
Surveying the equipment at the storage facility in Port Melbourne today, Mr Bracks said retaining the equipment was a tangible legacy from the Games.
“The Commonwealth Games provided us with a unique opportunity to invest in our people, our facilities and our equipment,” Mr Bracks said.
“With the support of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, the equipment will now be enjoyed by thousands of Victorians participating at local sports clubs or elite State training centres.
“Grassroots Victorian athletes will have the opportunity to ‘go for their life’ and use the sports equipment used by the world’s best during the Commonwealth Games.
“Valued at approximately $2 million, the sporting equipment will be gifted to sporting clubs and associations where the benefits are greatest.”
State Sporting Associations will be consulted in the management and delivery of the initiative. Allocations will support areas of disadvantage and focus on the potential for increased participation in sport and physical activity.
The Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Justin Madden, said the benefits of the Games would last long into the future.
“The Games were the catalyst for our investment in world-class facilities that will be used week- in and week-out by Victorians for years to come,” Mr Madden said.
“To maintain our would-class sporting reputation we need to ensure our facilities and equipment is accessible to athletes of all abilities and the community at large.”
Send your inquiry through in a brief email (for whom and for what use would you have for the equipment) including contact details to james.morrissey@dvc.vic.gov.au