As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing participation in sport Minister for Sport Mark Arbib and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy today officially opened applications for the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program.

The Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program will provide grants of between $5 000 and $50 000 to support the costs associated with community sport around Australia.

Senator Arbib said the grants will create opportunities for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to engage with sport and physical activity.

'The Australian Government wants to see all Australians have access to safe, fun and inclusive sporting opportunities,' Senator Arbib said.

'I believe sport is central to the Australian way of life, and sport can help to teach children from all cultures values, such as self-discipline, teamwork and how to reach your goals.

'The Government wants children from all backgrounds to have equal access to sporting opportunities.  We want to see children out of their lounge rooms and into their backyards, playing with friends, playing down at their local sporting clubs.'

Senator Lundy said the opening of the grant applications was a commitment from the Australian Government to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive multicultural society.

'Sport is a fabulous driver for building participation and inclusion for young Australians from diverse backgrounds,' Senator Lundy said.

'The grants will play an important role in helping these young people to participate in their local communities through sport.'

Senator Arbib said the Government was supporting multiple programs to increase and support participation, including the AASC Program and the participation funding for the national sports agreement.

Successful applicants for the 2011-12 Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program grants will be announced in July.

Applications will open for a period of four weeks from 29 April 2011.

To apply, visit www.ausport.gov.au for eligibility details and information.