Financial supportas young athletes aimfor higher honours

RISING sport stars from across the Northern Rivers have received financial assistance to help them compete at a higher level through the Local Sporting Champions program, announced by Page MP Kevin Hogan.

The federal government program provides support to young competitors aged 12 to 18 who are representing their sport at state, national or international championships.

It is aimed to help ease the costs associated with high-level competition and to encourage kids to take the next step.

In this round, 29 local athletes received grants, with strong representation from athletics clubs in Lismore and Casino.

Some of the recipients recently competed at the NSW Country Championships in Dubbo, while others claimed gold medals at Combined High Schools events last year.

A diverse range of sports are supported in the program, including boccia and sailing.

“Those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” Hogan said.

“The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.”

The Local Sporting Champions program has been running under Hogan for more than a decade and has helped hundreds of young athletes and their families cover the ongoing costs of competing at higher levels.

The program also encourages junior umpires and referees to apply, with some past recipients going on to officiate at representative carnivals.

Grant funding can be used for a range of expenses, including purchasing new equipment or contributing towards travel costs such as flights.

“Unfortunately, succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions,” Hogan said.

“I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.

“Sport is important in the development of young people. It teaches life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”