Sporting grants for local champs

A COHORT of local junior athletes have received funding via the Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions program to help them participate in their individual sports’ state, national or international championships.

The group received between $500 and $750 each depending on the location of their upcoming competitions.

For example, applicants travelling between 800 kilometres and 1999 kilometres to their nominated championships received $100 extra on top of the $500 base grant, while applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2000 kilometres to their nominated championships received an extra $200.

Recipients included Amelia Mitrovic, Ruby Bath and Spencer Price, who’ll be attending the Australian Gymnastics Championships in Queensland, and track and field athletes Hailey Stubbs, Chelsea Tickell, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Tyler Fynch.

Cyclist Hope Harnetty, para basketballer Harriett Caldwell, hockey player Jack Tamblyn, mountain biker Alana Fletcher, waterskier Oscar McNamara and swimmer Henry Allan also received grants.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said while playing sport at competition level takes passion, dedication, and hard work, it also involves extensive travel, training, specialist equipment and clothing.

“As many parents have told me, all those costs add up,” she said.

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

“The Local Sporting Champions grants are about helping talented young men and women pursue their sporting dreams.”

Applications for the next round of program funding close on 31 July and can be submitted on the Australian Sports Commission website.