- Published:
- Tuesday 22 November 2016
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced a funding package of more than $42,000 to support this year’s Party with the Ponies race meeting at the Hamilton Racing Club on Monday, 28 November.
Party with the Ponies has been held since 2005 and celebrates the International Day of People with a Disability.
The Andrews Labor Government is contributing almost $8000 for the event through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The club is also providing more than $10,700 and Country Racing Victoria is contributing $3000. Local businesses and organisations are also giving $20,600 of in-kind funding.
The club is staging a wheelchair accessible horse and cart ride, and the Riding Develops Abilities group will provide riding horses for patrons to demonstrate how its program improves physical and mental health.
Patrons are also encouraged to dress in blue or orange to represent the colours of the International Day of People with a Disability and the theme will be incorporated into the Fashions on the Field competition.
The club is expecting 22 disability support agencies to be involved in the event, with each agency providing support staff to assist with the running of the day’s activities, including Auskick, table tennis, dancing, Zumba, archery and bocce.
The racing industry in the Western District generates more than $100 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 980 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is pleased to support this wonderful event to help celebrate the International Day of People with a Disability.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Party with the Ponies showcases the great work that country racing clubs like Hamilton do in partnership with their local communities.”
Quotes attributable to Hamilton Racing Club Manager Naomi Annett
“We are grateful for the continuing support from the Victorian Government for this important event.”
“Party with the Ponies acknowledges the contribution, skills and achievements of people with a disability and the Hamilton Racing Club takes great pride in what we have been able to achieve with this event for the past 11 years.”