Grants to support sporting champions

APPLICATIONS for the local sporting champions program grants are now open.

The grants, funded by the Australian Sports Commission, provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 taking part in state, national or international championships.

Successful applicants from regional areas will receive between $550 and $700.

“There is a base grant of $500 for successful applicants and then if they are travelling more than $800 to the event there is an extra $100 or if they are residing in a rural electorate, as we do, there is an extra $50,” said Andrew Milligan, programs manager at Sports Central.

“If a young person is selected to attend a state, national or international championship there is a significant cost to that regardless of the sport.

“I encourage anyone who is fortunate enough to be selected in a team or to attend a championship as an individual to apply to offset some of the costs.”

There is also a category for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 24 participating in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability.

Successful applicants from regional areas will receive between $800 and $1000.

“The process is quite simple, it’s quite a basic grant to fill in,” said Mr Milligan.

It’s just a matter of checking out the guidelines and having all the information in front of you.”

Applications are open until Wednesday 31 July and can be made on the Australian Sports Commission website.