Pilbara sport programs benefit from funds boost

Sports groups across the Pilbara have been given a boost to help support low participation groups get involved in physical activity.

More than $100,000 has been granted to the Aboriginal Swim and Survive Program in Karratha, the Exmouth PCYC Girls’ Outdoor Recreation Engagement Program and the RoeboFit Youth Engagement Boxing Program in Roebourne.

Roebourne PCYC centre manager Samantha Cornthwaite said the RoeboFit program was a school engagement initiative that aimed to help with attendance issues.

“The kids will sign a contract that they will attend school regularly and in turn they will be allowed to be involved in the boxing,” she said.

RoeboFit will involve two sessions a week when students will engage in trained boxing run by the police, and include sessions and debriefs with professionals to cater for their needs.

“The program will provide a positive platform for the police to engage with these young people,” Ms Cornthwaite said.

“The students can build strong relationships with these mentors, which will help improve their self-esteem, attendance at school and their education.”