Smartplay Victoria is a State Government
initiative which aims to reduce the incidence and frequency
of sport and recreation injuries in the Victorian community.
This is achieved through the promotion of safer sport messages
and delivered through the development of effective partnerships
between Smartplay and community, school and sporting groups.
As physical activity is such an important and enjoyable part
of the lives of so many Victorians, the State Government is
committed to encouraging the community to become more active,
on a more regular basis. Even moderate levels of physical
activity have been shown to reduce the occurrence of many
chronic diseases in later life. Improving the community's
health by encouraging physical activity, including participation
in sport, is therefore a common objective of Smartplay's funding
agencies, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Department of Human
Services and VicHealth.
Unfortunately, injuries can reduce the health benefits provided
by physical activity and discourage or even prevent ongoing
participation. However sports related injuries should not
be seen as inevitable. Through improvements in injury prevention
awareness and the development of new strategies, the health,
economic and social benefits - and, importantly, the enjoyment
- offered by regular physical activity can be maximised.
