Will Clarence Valley teenager Courtney Fuller be the next Karrie Webb? And will we soon be watching Nathan Butterick and Jacob Purser standing on the Olympic podium claiming Gold for the Kookaburras at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics?
Only time will tell, but Federal member of Page Kevin Hogan is making sure these local sporting champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.
At a Local Sporting Champions morning tea this morning, Mr Hogan will present 10 local teenagers with a $500 cheque to help them on their way.
“As a sports fan, I’m very pleased to help these teenagers follow their dreams,” Mr Hogan said. “Those who are receiving awards have excelled themselves representing the Clarence Valley on the international, national and state stage.”
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.
“Page has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” Mr 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. 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 them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”
“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au,” Mr Hogan said.
In no order, our latest crop of Clarence Valley Sporting Champions are:
- Laura Harley, 12, NSW PSSA Hockey, Schools Australian Championships
- Nathan Butterick, 18, NSW U18 Hockey, Under 18 Australian Hockey Championships
- Jacob Purser, 18, NSW Mens Hockey, Australian Hockey Championships
- Stacey Brown, 14, BMX, National Championships
- George Cole, 14, BMX, NSW State Titles, Elderslie
- Courtney Fuller, 15, CHS NSW State Golf Team
- Samuel Young, 15, National U15 Hockey Championships, Port Kembla
- Grace Young, 14, NSW PSSA Hockey, Schools Australian Championships
- Reece Gaddes, 14, Hockey NSW, U15 Boys Australian Championship
- Georgina Munro, 11, Hockey, NSW Primary Schools Australian Championships
For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions