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7 Apr, 2016

Australia to Expand Sports Development Programs to Asia

Australia, 6 April 2016, (MFA Media Release) –  The Australian Government is expanding its sport for development program into Asia. Under the new Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) Australian national sporting organisations will deliver innovative sports programs which produce development outcomes in Asia.

The ASP provides $4 million over 2015-17 and the first tranche of $2 million will be awarded to ten Australian national sporting organisations to implement programs promoting community health, social inclusion, and youth participation in eight countries.

Activities supported through these grants focus on empowering women and girls, combating domestic violence and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Today I also welcome Sri Lankan Foreign Minister the Hon Mr Mangala Samaraweera to Australia, who joins me for this announcement. Australia is home to a large Sri Lankan community which creates a strong cultural bond between our two countries.

Under the Asia Sports Partnerships program, Netball Australia will deliver community development and peace building programs in partnerships with Sri Lankan community organisations.

An effective sport for development program is an integral component of the Australian Sports Diplomacy Strategy 2015-18 launched in June 2015.

Further information on the successful grants can be found here.