Rising stars in the pool part of sporting champions program

FIVE Alstonville water polo players have been recognised in the Northern Rivers Sporting Champions program which provides financial support for young athletes in the region.

The Alstonville Junior Water Polo Club had a record 120 juniors and is gearing up for the upcoming season which starts this month.

Sylvie Christie, Hunter Collins, Jordan Dooley, Timothy Nunn and Charlie Watt will receive a financial boost from their efforts over the past season.

The program is run by Page MP Kevin Hogan.

It has helped hundreds of athletes over the years with grants usually between $500-$850 for kids between the age of 12 and 18.

A lot of the kids have represented the region at state or national level with some having competed internationally.

“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,” Hogan said.

Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions

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

Hockey players Caitlyn Halliday and Max Venables were also part of the latest group which includes a total of 43 kids from around the region.

Both teenagers have represented at state level and been part of national development squads.

Hockey had 12 kids from the Far North Coast competition on the list last year while others came from athletics, baseball, cross country, netball, rugby and sailing.

To find out more about the program visit ausport.gov.au.