Tuesday, 10 December 2024
The Sapphire Academy of Sport (SAS) will receive a huge boost to their home base after $270,144 in funding was awarded from the NSW Infrastructure Grants Program: Sport and Recreation to the Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan delivered the news to academy manager Darren Finn on Friday.
SAS has hundreds of participants in their boxing and martial arts programs as well as the carpentry and horticulture projects.
“The SAS does a fantastic job in providing a place where disadvantaged and at-risk people in the community can go to better themselves through sport and community projects,” Mr Moylan said.
“The current facility has limited protection from the outside elements which makes the temperatures unbearable in the heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter.
“The upgrades will see a new lining in the gym’s roof as well as heating and cooling which will be much more comfortable for all users.
“Congratulations to Darren and his team for applying for and being successful in this program.”
Mr Finn was grateful to receive the funding and said it will be a huge boost to all people who visit the gym on a regular basis.
“This means the world to us all at Ngarabal, SAS, Jobs Australia Enterprises and the Inverell community,” he said.
“The positive impact the upgrades will have to current and future community members has left our team speechless.
“It will positively impact everyone who walks through our doors, both now and in the future, from various sports, schools, and organisations, inspiring them all to strive for a better future.”
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: Sapphire Academy’s assistant manager Daniel Stashynsky, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan, Academy manager Darren, instructor Dean Finn, and karate instructor Shane Coggins.