Junior sport crucial to Qld’s next generation of Olympic stars

Parents are being urged to enrol their kids in sport this year as the state government attempts to future-proof Queensland’s next generation of Olympians.

Kids sport is important to future proof our next generation of Olympic stars.

Parents are being urged to enrol their kids in sport this year as the state government attempts to future-proof Queensland’s next generation of Olympians.

Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and Sport Tim Mander has issued the plea to parents as students head back to school this week, revealing just 14 per cent of kids aged 14 and under play sport three times a week.

The LNP launched a $250m community sports infrastructure program during the election, with $11.1m already awarded to four sports clubs.

However, the government is yet to confirm whether Labor’s $250 fair play vouchers will be continued.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles this week criticised the government for failing to include cost of living measures in its budget review, including extending the fair play vouchers.

“There’s a whole range of things that they could have done that at least would have signalled to Queenslanders that they get it, that they understand the pressure on people,” he said.

Mr Mander said the government would look at “new ways” to get more children involved in sport and recreation.

“We also want to give kids the facilities they need to thrive,” he said.

“We will prioritise rolling out the Games On! commitments, delivering new and upgraded facilities across the state.”

Queensland Academy of Sport representatives will soon begin touring the state, scouting the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians across 17 sports.

Talented young athletes will be invited to participate in the YouFor2032 program.

“I encourage you to keep an eye out for upcoming testing sessions in your area,” Mr Mander said.

“You might discover that your child not only finds a passion for a sport they’ve never tried before, but a new talent that takes them all the way to the podium in 2032.”