The state government’s sports voucher program is open for 2023, following its most successful year to date.

More than 83,000 vouchers were redeemed in 2022, saving South Australian families over $8.3 million.

Sports vouchers provide a $100, once-yearly subsidy for all children from Reception to Year 9 towards the cost of sports, dance or learning to swim fees.

The program began in 2015 under the previous Labor Government, with more than 500,000 vouchers provided to South Australian children and their families since its inception.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard says the government is committed to creating a more active, healthier South Australian community.

“Sport is so powerful. It brings people together and helps improve physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. For many children, being involved in sport gives them a lovely sense of belonging to a community family.

“For children and their families facing difficult issues, support and connection can often be found through their local sporting club, with the emotional benefits of being engaged in sport equalling the physical benefits. 

“I pay tribute to the many local club volunteers who support and empower children through sport.” 

It is recommended that all children are active for 60 minutes per day, a target which across the country is not being met, but one that the sports vouchers program seeks to help to address.

Currently around one-in-four children meet that target in Australia and in South Australia.

For more information on sports vouchers and how to access them got to the website.