Sport is central to communities throughout Western Australia, it is the setting that transforms people. Where a jersey has the power to bring individuals together as a team, a tribe, a community – living shared values across the journey, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
It is the setting that helps us develop resilience, perseverance, leadership skills, nurture mental and physical health outcomes and strengthen community connections.
The community sport landscape is a product of the 5,500 sporting clubs around the state, their passionate Committees and team of volunteers and the State Sport Associations that supports them in ensuring sport is available to all West Australians.
The social and economic value that community sport contributes to society is quantified at $10.3 billion per annum and it’s a system that relies on 41.9 million hours of volunteer time. In fact, for every 3 participants in community sport there is 1 volunteer, a vital component that must be supported in the delivery of sport.
Therefore, it is fitting that after 12 months of extensive review, we are pleased to announce that the McGowan Government has today committed to funding the planning and initial development of a reinvigorated True Sport initiative.
True Sport will be designed for the industry by the industry, it will consider all components of sport delivery in Western Australia, from State Sporting Associations, to administrators, clubs, officials, volunteers, coaches, parents, players, participants, and competitors.
Once finalised and launched, True Sport is intended to play a supporting role to WA sporting associations and clubs to support their members at a whole new level – encouraging behaviour change, increasing participation, building life skills and positively contributing to local communities. True Sport will be different to any other initiative in the country and encourages a consistent experience across all codes, and all seasons.
SportWest CEO, Matt Fulton said, “True Sport will be about strong public messaging, coupled with accessible tools and resources for the industry to continue to grow grassroots sport, based on a strong culture built on values. It will recognise the complex operating environment and changing needs of the industry.”
“SportWest has worked in partnership with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, a range of Advisory Groups and all levels of community sport over a 12-month period to develop a plan for the future generation of community sport in Western Australia”
“I would like to thank and acknowledge the commitment from the McGowan Government to the True Sport initiative, and I extend my appreciation to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and the hundreds of people we have consulted with over the last 12 months to develop a framework for this future initiative”.
“Today’s announcement allows us to commence the development of the first phase of the True Sport initiative and we look forward to continuing the collaborative approach with our Members, the Government and the broad community sport network”
For more information
Please contact SportWest Communications Manager, Bronte Vause via email at brontevause@sportwest.com.au
