Helping Children Overcome Barriers To Playing Sport

Sporting Chance is a programme of Sport Otago that provides financial assistance to children from disadvantaged circumstances to help them take part in sport.  Since it began, over 1000 children have been given support to take part in more than 60 different sports.  It funds participation and will assist with the basic costs of playing a sport.

Sporting Chance makes grants for costs in three areas:

• Fees.  You can apply for the cost of fees related to playing sport.  There are some exceptions (see below) so be sure to apply for the right costs to increase your chances of getting a grant.

• Sporting footwear.  You can apply for the cost of sporting footwear such as football boots, court shoes or running shoes.

• Essential equipment.  These are the types of items an individual needs to play a sport.  A tennis racquet or hockey stick are essential equipment, a rugby ball or softball bat are not.

We do not make grants for:

• Travel to or participation in tournaments, training camps, or similar one-off events.

• Individual coaching where it incurs a charge above the basic fees.

• The extra costs associated with high performance or elite competition, such as dress uniforms, higher grade equipment, etc.

To be generally eligible for a grant a student must be:

• Regularly attending school in Otago, and be between years 5 and 13.

• Participating in an on-going sporting commitment, which could be a season or a year depending on the sport.

• Have genuine financial need as determined by the referring body.

Sporting Chance Administrator

If you would like to make an enquiry about Sporting Chance contact Duane Donovan on 03 474 6419 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Role Of Referees.

Because the funds available to us to make grants from are limited, we need to confirm there is genuine financial need in the family.  To ensure this neutrality we take applications from referees rather than directly from the applicants family.  Suitable referees include the school the student attends, and social service agencies or government departments the family is working with. How to make an application Referees may request an application form from Sport Otago either by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 03 474 6350 or 0800 776 786.  Once the application is received we will advise the referee of the outcome who will notify the applicant.  If you are unsure if the situation you are facing will fit the criteria of Sporting Chance please call us before applying and we will be happy to discuss it.

Sporting Chance FAQ’s

• How much can I apply for?  Sporting Chance is a small grant fund so you shouldn’t expect too much money.  For most applicants we can pay for a pair of footwear, a seasons fees, or similar costs.  Tell us what your total costs are and we will give you what support we can.

• How often can I apply?  You can apply up to twice a year if the student is playing a winter and a summer sport, or once a year for an annual sport.  Note:  if we have made a grant to a student for a seasonal sport, they are not guaranteed to receive another grant in the same 12 month period, but may apply.

• Why don’t you cover tournament costs?  Sporting Chance is a participation fund and is aimed at getting as many costs involved in sport as possible.  It is not the purpose of this fund to help with representative or elite sport.

• Why can’t my child apply if they are in years 1 to 4?  We have limited funds available and target them where we believe we can make the most difference.  It is our belief that sporting bodies should keep participation costs for young children to a minimum.

• Will my childs name be publicised?  No.  We do ask for a letter of thanks from all recipients, but names are removed before they are used for publicity purposes.  Anonymity of applicants is a basic principal of Sporting Chance.

How To Apply To Sporting Chance

All applications to Sporting Chance must be made through a Sporting Chance referee on an official application form.  Application forms are available from schools and support agencies throughout Otago.

Complete an official Sporting Chance application form with the assistance of a registered referee at the applicant's school or support agency.  All applications must be signed by the applicant's parent or guardian and a Sporting Chance Referee before being returned to Sport Otago.  A letter will then be sent to the relevant Sporting Chance referee notifying them of the outcome and any other relevant details.

Sporting Chance Supporters

The work of Sporting Chance is made possible with the support of local businesses and charitable trusts.  Our primary supporters are Stirling Sports in Dunedin and Balcutha, and Dunedin Print.  Click on the logo below to visit their websites.  We are also grateful for the support of the Dunedin Casino Trust and Bunnings Warehouse for their donations to the programme. 

Sporting Chance - The History

In 1999 Presbyterian Support Otago surveyed forty-two schools in the Dunedin area and found that nearly ten percent of parents could not afford to support their school aged children to take part in regular sporting activites due to financial difficulties.

The major barriers to participation were identified as the payment of fees, and the purchase or uniforms, footwear and sporting equipment.  The increased pressure on school budgets also resulted in 'no pay, no play' policies being enforced by a number of schools.

In response to this situation, which was clearly having a negative impact on the number of young people getting involved in sport, we developed the Sporting Chance programme which was launched in May 2002.  Initially the programme offered assistance to secondary schools students.  After a review in 2004 this was extended to include students from year 5 to year 13.