Gerald Lynch
Students from Roxburgh College had the chance to get up close and personal with the Melbourne Renegades Women’s team, as part of the state government’s Active Schools program.
Education Minister Ben Carroll last week announced the initiative.
“Physical activity is fundamental to our health and wellbeing – that is why we’re delivering Active Schools to more than 400 schools this year alone,” he said.
“Giving students more opportunities to increase their physical activity ensures they get the best start in life and helps them develop lifelong healthy habits.”
Melbourne Renegades Women players taught students from Roxburgh College a variety of cricket skills at the Junction Oval before the students settled in to watch the team’s clash with the Sydney Thunder.
The joint initiative by Cricket Victoria, Melbourne Renegades, and Active Schools encourages all children but particularly girls, to get active and involved with community sport.
The initiative includes a toolkit for school leaders and teachers, advice from expert Physical Activity Advisors and funding for schools with around 500 schools participating since Active Schools was launched in 2021.
Greenvale MP Iwan Walters said the future of sport in Australia will be brighter due to the program.
“We’re making sure more local students across Greenvale can enjoy the benefits of participating in sport through their education… it’s so encouraging to see our cricket stars of tomorrow develop their skills even further with the Active Schools program,” he said.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence spoke to the importance of the program.
“Getting more young Victorians involved in sports helps them thrive physically and mentally, and the Active Schools programs is making sure that students – in particular young women – get access to these benefits, no matter their background or where they live,” she said.
Schools have previously used their Active Schools funding in a multitude of ways, including upskilling PE teachers, sports equipment, and implementing fitness programs such as cycling and dance.
