Variety Tasmania is proud to be the major beneficiary of the 2026 Hobart Marathon Festival, helping more Tasmanian children access sport and build confidence.

For more than 30 years, Variety Tasmania has supported children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or living with disability, especially when they are at risk of missing out. Through practical support and inclusive programs, we help children take part, build confidence, and feel like they belong.

Funds raised through the Hobart Marathon partnership will enable Variety to deliver programs such as Variety Kids Sports Days and the ‘Shooting for the Stars’ Scholarship.

Variety Kids Sports Days give children of all abilities the chance to participate in a safe, inclusive environment and try a range of sports without fear of judgement. Variety works with Tasmania’s peak sporting bodies to ensure the program offers a range of sports to as many kids as possible.  To date, more than 1,500 children across Tasmania have taken part, with many experiencing organised sport for the very first time. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they realise they can take part in something they once thought was out of reach is what drives us to expand to more communities across the state.

Variety, in partnership with Basketball Tasmania, also offers the Variety ‘Shooting for the Stars’ Scholarship, helping make the Future Development Program and State Development Program more financially accessible for young athletes across Tasmania. The scholarship covers full registration fees, ensuring children from all backgrounds can access high-level training, build confidence, and develop their skills both on and off the court. Additional support may also be provided for uniforms and travel, helping athletes compete at major tournaments and championships.

With Variety’s support, more young people are stepping onto the court with confidence and chasing their sporting goals, strengthening Tasmania’s future basketball talent pathway.

Simply put, Variety empowers children to reach their full potential.

You can make a difference by cheering from the sidelines or by running for a reason as part of the Hobart Marathon Festival.

Help Tassie kids to reach their full potential.