Registered charity NeuroThrive has received $24,000 in funding from the Victorian government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund to provide a new, free active recreation program in the Geelong area.
Running for 10 months and led by neurodivergent specialists, the program will provide sport and recreation to 100 young children or more in a safe and supportive environment.
NeuroThrive’s founder and director Yoshiko Yano said the community-based, disability-led organisation was “over the moon” after hearing the funding announcement.
“We design deliverable programs that remove barriers for participation, for autistic kids, for example, who might not have access to traditional sports,” she said.
“That’s why we have this program, to include them; the movement feels safe, accessible, calm and enjoyable, rather than overwhelming. Our work is about creating local inclusive services to support local families, that’s what we’re all about.
“This funding enables us to pay facilitators recruited from Geelong, hire safe venues and, most importantly, ensure it’s zero cost for the families.”
Geelong All-Abilities Sports Club will also receive $22,000 to purchase inclusive bikes for people with disability and their families to use.
Victorian minister for community sport Ros Spence said she was delighted to support the programs.
“This initiative creates inclusive spaces where people with disability can not only participate, but kick start new opportunities to learn and excel in a range of roles in the sports they love,” she said.
Email hello@neurothrive.org.au to register your family’s interest in NeuroThrive’s Geelong program.
