The Launceston charity has been awarded $20,000 to buy three running chairs from the United States as part of the latest round of grants from Tasmanian Community Fund.

Just Like Jack spokesman Chris Duffy said the chairs would allow children with a disability to compete in community sporting events.

“The chairs are designed to accommodate larger kids, who have previously had limited ability and opportunity to participate in events such as the Launceston Ten and Point to Pinnacle,” he said.

“The smile you see on the face of these kids and their ‘volunteer engines’ makes any effort it takes to get them to finish line worth it.

“These chairs are always in demand, so having more will increase our capacity to allow more children to join in the fun.”

More than $3 million from the TCF has been given to 74 projects throughout the state in the form of grants.

Chairwoman Sally Darke was at Ravenswood’s Northern Support School on Tuesday to meet with representatives from the Just Like Jack Foundation. She said the grants would make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

“It’s a great source of pride for the TCF board to support so many worthwhile projects and projects throughout these grants in Tasmania,” she said.

“I think it is essential that people have some independence, and these running bikes provide that.

“Those who have participated in the past and now require a larger wheelchair will be able to join in everything from fun runs to triathlons.”

Of the $3 million in this round of grants, $1.1 million was given to organisations with the hope of increasing workforce engagement.

Ms Darke said it was important to improve the skills of young Tasmanians.

“The TCF continues to strategically evolve its funding programs to better meet the needs of Tasmanians by focusing on workforce engagement, community wellbeing and community infrastructure.”

The fund’s next general grant round will open on July 21.