Funding applications wanted for rural sports teams

Getting involved in regular sporting competitions is always a challenge for people living in rural communities. Sport NZ can help with the costs of travelling. Those who represent a rural sporting team competing in a local competition need to get their pens out now.

Applications are invited from all rural sports teams and groups for funding from Sport NZ’s Rural Travel Fund. The fund is administered by Gisborne District Council and was developed in response to concerns about the lack of participation in sport by young people living in rural communities. Young people aged between 5-19 years who participate in school or club sports teams outside of school hours, are the focus.

Applications are considered by a local allocations committee made up of Council staff and a Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti representative who have an understanding of the challenges rural sports teams face.

“We have accommodated the opening of this summer round to coincide with school terms and better knowledge of teams and numbers.” says Council’s funding administrator Julie Conder.

It is important for teams to note that the fund is only for travel to local competitions. Funding for travel to training or out of district competitions does not qualify.

Applications for the summer travel fund close on 8 November 2013. Application forms are available at Council Customer services in Te Puia Springs and Fitzherbert Street or from Council’s website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/sport-nz-rural-travel-fund/

ENDS

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