CA says ‘No School No Play’

Students who love cricket will be given extra incentives to keep up regular attendance at school, thanks to the launch of Cricket Australia’s No School No Play project today.

The Minister for School Education and Member for Kingsford Smith, Peter Garrett, officially launched the project at Matraville Sports High School, promoting the benefits of regular school attendance to students in targeted schools.

Mr Garrett said the Australian Government’s $2 million No School No Play initiative is being delivered on behalf of the Government by eight national sporting organisations, including Cricket Australia.

“Many students are keen to play their favourite sport, so we are using that motivation to increase their commitment to school,” Mr Garrett said.

“We are working closely with Cricket Australia and their local project partners to create a range of rewards and incentives for participating students who improve their school attendance levels.

“The 33 children participating in the program at Matraville Sports High School have set school attendance targets in conjunction with the school, and will be rewarded for achieving those targets,” Mr Garrett said.

Cricket Australia General Manager, Game Development, Damien Bown, spoke of the mutual benefits of linking sport and education through the No School No Play initiative.

“The partnership with the Federal Government through the No School No Play project is a great way for cricket to ensure more children attend school and play sport,” Mr Bown said.

Cricket Australia is the first of eight team sporting organisations to launch a No School No Play project, and has received $140,000 to run No School No Play projects in six regions across Australia.

Matraville Sports High School is the first of 14 schools to run Cricket Australia No School No Play projects, with the other schools commencing in 2011.

The No School No Play launch today follows the Federal Government’s announcement last week of $750,000 per year over four years for Cricket Australia’s MILO in2Cricket program.

Federal Minister for Sport Mark Arbib announced the funding on Day 2 of the first Vodafone Ashes Test in Brisbane. The funding is part of the Australian Government’s wider $11million funding to encourage more young Australians to become active and healthy.