CHILDREN from Melbourne’s western suburbs participating in the Australian Sports Commission’s Active After-school Communities (AASC) program were given the opportunity to put their new skills into action as part of a gala day at Taylors Lakes Primary School last week.
AASC is a national program that is part of the Australian Government’s $116m Building a Healthy, Active Australia package, and is aimed at providing healthy lifestyle options for Australian children.
More than 150 participants from five schools took part in the gala day, which marked the culmination of the AASC program for the children who had been participating for the past eight weeks.
A range of activities were offered by local and state sporting organisations including Rugby Union Victoria, Baseball Victoria, Fitnessworx, Footsteps Dance Company, Elite Soccer Coaching, Zach Ramsey Golf Academy, Kelly Sports, Coach Approach and YMCA Riverslide Skate Park.
AASC regional coordinator Dominic Tulloch said the gala day was a resounding success, providing an opportunity for the children to participate in a variety of fun activities and make new friends.
“By coming along to the gala day, children had the opportunity to not only get active but meet others from a variety of schools within the Western region,” Tulloch said.
“More than 150 children sampled a diverse range of sports from skateboarding and cheerleading through to frisbee and golf, delivered by experienced and enthusiastic coaches.”
Dianne Fyffe, a co-ordinator at one of the participating schools, Sunshine Heights Primary School, agreed.
“It was a tremendous day, thoroughly enjoyed by all the children,” Fyffe said.
“In this day and age when we have so much publicity about children being inactive it was great to see 150-plus children depicting otherwise.”
Michael Wilson from Rugby Union Victoria said the gala day was not only a great opportunity for children to try a range of activities, but also for local clubs to showcase their sports and view the AASC program first-hand.
“The AASC program should be seen by clubs as a stepping stone for their future members, and the gala day is a great way for children to try several different activities in one afternoon,” he said.
“One of the aims of the program is to increase the confidence and self-esteem levels of the children participating.
“By making the sessions fun and having the flexibility to adapt the program to individual needs, we are seeing many of the children gaining the confidence to go on and join a local club.”
For more information about the AASC program or becoming a deliverer, visit www.ausport.gov.au/aasc or contact Dominic Tulloch on 0437 700 393.
