Region’s best receive boost for top-level success

MORE than 24 local athletes will receive a financial boost from the Federal Government, allowing them to attend elite-level competitions in their sporting disciplines.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, announced 25 local athletes will receive funding from the Local Sporting Champions program, providing financial assistance to coaches, officials and competitors aged between 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

“Supporting a young athlete is hard work and families are doing it tough with the cost of living, this funding will make sure that our future sporting stars are given the head start they need,” Ms Coker said.

Among the recipients is national underwater hockey champion and Waurn Ponds resident Sarah Joordens, who is sharing in $15,400 worth of grants.

“We’ve used this grant to get to the state championships in Western Australia, it’s really taken the pressure off my family,” Joordens said.

In the electorate, funding was awarded to athletes competing in the disciplines of surfing, sailing, surf lifesaving, water polo, underwater hockey, swimming, and others.

Other recipients include 15-year-old Grovedale water polo champion Brandon Hayes, who returns to California later this year to prepare for the Junior Olympics after receiving the grant.

Successful applicants each receive between $500 to $750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

“We should be incredibly proud of these local young athletes who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the sports they compete in,” Ms Coker said.

Applications remain open until midnight March 31 for the fourth round of funding from the Local Sporting Champions grants.