Grants help make sporting dreams come true

A number of locals have received grants ranging from between $500 and $700 as part of rounds two and three of the federal government’s Local Sporting Champions Grants program.

The financial assistance aims to help coaches, officials and competitors aged between 12 and 18 to take part in state, national and international championships.

The grants can be used for travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at events.

The recipients are Lani Woodman, Jiana Woodman, Ruby Watson and Riley Anderson (inline hockey national championships), Mila Childs (netball national championships), Jack Tamblyn (hockey national championships), Chloe Kahaduwa Poodduwage (gymnastics national championships), Mitchell and Georgia Bray (water skiing international event), Maurice Bryant (mountain bike national championships), Corey Larson (mountain bike international event), Milanke Haasbroek (modern pentathlon international event), Jordyn Lewis (athletics national championships), Mila Abley, Azia Fong-Sutton and Adele York (swimming national championships), and Willow Kelly (tennis national championships).

Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said playing sport at competition level takes passion, dedication and hard work.

“It also can involve extensive travel, training, specialist equipment and clothing, and as many parents have told me, all these costs add up,” she said.

“For the families behind our young sporting champions it can be very expensive, especially for those living in regional areas.

“I’m delighted to be able to help some of our region’s rising sports stars to pursue their dreams.”

To find out more about Local Sporting Champions Grants, visit the Australian Sports Commission website.