ISLAMABAD: The Australian Government provided the Pakistan Football Federation a grant of approximately Rs1.5 million (equivalent to A$18,000) as part of its Australian Sports Outreach Program on Tuesday.
‘I am delighted to announce that the Pakistan Football Federation will receive an Rs1.5 million sports development grant for 2010-11,’ said Australian High Commission First Secretary Peter Bartlett, speaking on behalf of Australian High Commissioner HE Tim George.
‘This funding will assist the Pakistan Football Federation implement skill development projects in eight schools in both Liyari and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as upgrade football fields in both areas.’
The Pakistan Football Federation’s projects are the latest of several sporting projects the Australian Government has assisted over the past three years. Since 2008-09, the Australian Government has provided more than Rs7 million (equivalent to A$88,500) to various sporting bodies, including the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Netball Federation.
Today is the first time the Pakistan Football Federation receives funding.
‘It is particularly pleasing to see that the projects being funded will have a strong focus on promoting youth participation in football.’
‘Encouraging young people to become involved in sport is a key aim of the Sports Outreach Program.’
‘We also hope that the Pakistan Football Federation’s initiatives will have important spillover effects on the wider community, such as promoting health and well-being, and enhancing social cohesion.’
The purpose of the Australian Sports Outreach Program is to complement larger community development schemes, especially for youth and women, worldwide through sport and physical activity.