FOUR courts at the Bulli Tennis Centre are set for a $20,000 upgrade.

The announcement the courts will be upgraded, along with new sports ground lighting at Thomas Gibson Park, Thirroul, is to be made by State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans today at Slacky Flat.

Mr Evans will announce $80,000 in funding grants to five local sport groups under the 2011-2012 Sport and Recreation Facility Grant Program.

“Sport is an integral part of our community’s social fabric and the organisations which received funding in the 2011-2012 Sport and Recreation Facility Grant Program are priceless assets,” Mr Evans said.

“The benefits of physical activity and community interaction are numerous and this investment will have a very positive affect by increasing the availability and quality of local sport and recreation facilities.”

Organisations to receive offers include:

* Thirroul Junior Football Club – $35,000 – To upgrade lighting at Gibson Park fields

* Wollongong Tennis Courts Administration – $20,000 – To upgrade four tennis court surfaces at Bulli Tennis Centre

* Helensburgh Thistle Football Club – $13,500 – To install solar hot water system and playing field irrigation at Rex Jackson Park.

“I am very confident the new upgraded facilities supported by this program will encourage more of our local residents to get involved and get active.

For more information visit the Sport and Recreation Facility Grant Program website or 13 13 02.