Evidence has shown that encouraging older Western Australians into sports, outdoor recreation, and team activities is an important facilitator of improved health and long-term well-being.
Based on the KidSport program, SilverSport was set up by the the former Liberal Government to promote physical and recreational activities for those aged over 60.
This program offered a $200 payment towards club fees, uniforms, and equipment to incentivise eligible Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card holders to take up a sport or recreational activity.
This was able to take financial pressure off seniors who wanted to take part in physical activities but were limited by income streams or access.
Despite the success of a trial of SilverSport in 2016 — attracting 718 seniors across select areas in regional and metro WA — it was discontinued by WA Labor following the 2017 election.
While many local governments promote sport and recreation for seniors, the SilverSport trial demonstrated there is also a need for State Government-subsidised sport-related programs.
The WA Liberals understand the crucial impact of sport and recreation in improving seniors’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and social engagement, fostering both individual vitality and more connected communities.
By encouraging physical activity, enhancing social interactions across generations, reducing health risks, and providing cognitive and emotional benefits, supporting these initiatives for seniors is more important than ever.
Only a WA Liberal Government will deliver it.
The WA Liberals believe access to physical exercise, social participation, and engaging recreational pursuits are fundamental to improving long-term outcomes for older Western Australians.
Unfortunately, due to financial pressures, many seniors are choosing to forgo beneficial sports and recreation activities, at the cost of their mental and physical health.
Given the proven long-term benefits of recreational participation for both seniors and community clubs, along with the high demand during the initial SilverSport trial, there is a clear need to reinstate and expand this support to encourage greater participation and engagement.
Investing in initiatives like SilverSport will help seniors stay active, socially connected, and engaged in meaningful activities that improve their quality of life.
A WA Liberal Government will commit $3 million over 2 years to reinstate the SilverSport trial for approximately 6,000 eligible seniors.
Each senior would receive up to $250 towards fees, equipment, and uniforms for sporting and recreational clubs, or for participating in strength and balance programs delivered through the Council of the Ageing (COTA WA).
Reinvigorating this program will not only increase participation rates but will also help the long-term sustainability of clubs and organisations, critical elements for the future of WA sport and recreation.
Western Australian seniors deserve a government that supports their participation in sport, recreation, and beneficial health-based physical activities, and addresses cost factors that may limit this participation.
Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to providing support to all generations of Western Australians, and to the businesses and organisations fostering growth and participation in our communities.
