A Nelson City Council physical activity fund encouraging youth to get active is on its last legs.

The council is calling for final applications to a fund, which gives grants to projects and organisations encouraging youth to get active, with $100,000 up for grabs.

Applications to the physical activity fund will open on August 1 and close on September 21.

Council recreational services leader Gary Alsop said the fund's money was running out.

In the past the fund had given out about $40,000 each year, but this year it decided to dish out the total remaining money rather than give it out in dribs and drabs, Mr Alsop said.

About 10 years ago the physical activity fund was formed after $260,000 was left over from the Hillary Commission Community Sport Fund. The funding allocation was decided by three volunteer committee members, independent of the council, Tony Thomas, Ken Beckett and Philippa Askew. The council simply supported the committee by taking over some administration duties, he said.

Examples of previous grants include Auckland Point School getting $7370 for its bike Pump Track and Way2go receiving $10,000 to kick-start its travelling cycle skills programme Upcycle. Kindergartens, toy libraries and sports clubs are among others that have benefited.

Sport Tasman chief executive Nigel Muir said it was great the fund had existed for so long, but it was also important physical activity continued to be encouraged by all. "We have to continue to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles."

Kiwi Sport, administered by Sport Tasman, was a great incentive to get children moving and involved in weekend or after-school sport, Mr Muir said.

However, individuals could also look at making better lifestyle choices.

"The solution to getting people more active isn't always about funding. We can all make lifestyle choices, whether to take the stairs or the lift, take the car or walk," he said.

Application forms will be available on nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz and at the council office in Trafalgar St from August 1.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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