FRISBEE-loving seniors in Canberra will be throwing themselves into a new sport, thanks to a $60,000 grant for a pilot disc golf program.
Canberra Ultimate, an organisation that promotes flying disc sports, will receive the grant over two years - as part of the government's Move It Aus Better Ageing grant program - to get older people playing disc golf.
The sport is like traditional golf, but with players throwing flying discs or Frisbees into baskets around a course instead of putting golf balls into small holes.
"We are extremely pleased to receive this funding," said Canberra Ultimate president Jason de Rooy.
"Flying disc sports are delivering on their massive potential as a non-traditional sporting option that's low-cost, easy to get involved in and just plain fun."
Jason said disc golf was great for getting older people moving and socialising.
"Disc golf is great for everyone, particularly seniors.
"It's an incredibly flexible sport - courses can be set up, moved and modified to suit the participants.
"And it gives Australia's most common physical activity - walking - a fun and focused purpose that can be as competitive and motivating as the participants wish.
"Disc golf is very low-cost - use of established courses is free, and players need only own a flying disc or Frisbee to play."
The organisation hopes to roll out the pilot seniors disc golf program by mid-year.
$22.9m in grants
Canberra Ultimate was one of 27 organisations to share a total of $22.9 million in grants over two years.
Surf Life Saving received $530,000 to support its Silver Salties fitness program for people aged 65 and over.
Parkrun Australia will benefit from $1.8 million, which will go towards its Generations Project, aimed at connecting older people with their weekly local Parkrun community event where they can walk, run, volunteer or meet people of all ages.
Sport Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie made the funding announcement at a Parkrun event in Launceston, Tasmania, in February.
She said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping people get the most out of their senior years.
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