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Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today launched a new softball competition that will encourage women in remote communities to participate in sport and recreation.

 

The Northern Territory Government has provide $66 000 to help establish the softball program.

 

“It has been well documented the health benefits of an active lifestyle particularly in our indigenous communities and this program is about getting women to participate in sport and stay healthy,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“This funding is vital to the success of the program and will assist with associated costs including training, travel and accommodation.

 

“Indigenous women living in remote communities have said they would like more opportunities to participate in structured and regular sporting activities and softball was their preferred sport.

 

“At this stage over 700 participants from the six Shires have indicated their interest in participating in the competition.

 

“It is fantastic to see this competition up and running and I encourage as many ladies as possible to participate.

 

“This program will allow players to develop their skills and progress through the sporting pathways from grass roots to a higher level of competition if they wish.”

 

Accredited training for coaches, scorers and officials will be delivered in partnership with Softball NT. 

 

“The aim is to run the competitions over a three month period, with games played fortnightly,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“There will be an opportunity for either the winning team or a Shire representative team to participate in the Northern Territory Softball Championships in August 2009.”

The Shire Softball Competition has been developed as a joint initiative with Softball Northern Territory and a number of Local Government Shires.

Tiwi Island Shire, Victoria-Daly River Shire, MacDonnell Shire, Roper Gulf Shire, Central Desert Shire, and the East Arnhem Shire have indicated they will participate in the competition.

This initiative is part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage – Generational Plan of Action purpose to “provide sport and recreation officers, facilities and programs in each shire”.

 

 

Contact: Natasha Fyles 04488 66 312

Related files:
Hampton.19.03Softballfinall.pdf ( 283.25 kb )