The state government has announced $70,000 funding to help fund on-course entertainment, children's activities and two major prizes for young fans.

The carnival, which runs over three weeks, begins on February 18.

A February 11 launch night is aimed at attracting netball and soccer players.

The Meadows general manager Marg Long said the new initiative would offer prizes to soccer and netball clubs - the lure being clinics run by Archie Thompson of Melbourne Victory and Bianca Chatfield of the Melbourne Vixens.

"This is part of what the government funding is going towards," she said.

"It's a good way to introduce people to the racing environment and gives them an opportunity they mightn't otherwise get.

"We haven't done the sporting competitions before. Archie and Bianca are ambassadors in the industry so it's fantastic for us to be able to work with them and it's good for the local kids."

The carnival is at The Meadows on February 18 and 25, and March 3.

For more details on the sporting competition for prizes, phone 93555222.