Will 15-year-old Max Mulcahy be the next James Magnussen and will 12-year-old Cassandra Hill one day stand on the Olympic podium with the Matildas?
And perhaps Georgia Brown, Maya McGrath and Alana Albertini will all represent Australia in hockey.
Only time will tell, but Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that 14 young Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.
At a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea today, Mr Hogan presented the 14 local teenagers with a $500 cheque to help them on their way.
“Those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” he said.
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.
“The North Coast 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.”
In no particular order, our latest crop of Northern Rivers Sporting Champions is:
- Cassandra Hill, 12 of Tullera, who competed the NSW Primary Football Girls Championships,
- Georgia Brown, 13 of East Coraki, who competed in the National Under 13’s Hockey Championships,
- Max Mulcahy, 15 of Wollongbar, who competed in the NSW State Age Swimming Competition,
- Bailey Crabtree, 15 of East Lismore, who competed in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships,
- Charles Corcoran, 12 of Numulgi who competed in the National Inline Hockey Championships,
- Teykoa Harley, 15 of Kyogle, who competed in the NSW Athletics State Championships,
- Nathan Leslie, 15 of Rous Mill, who competed in the NSW Secondary Athletics Championships,
- Laquisa Khan, 15 of Goonellabah, who competed in QLD State Age Championships,
- Ziah Piggott, 13 of Roseberry, who competed in the NSW Athletics State Championships,
- Kye Duesbury, 15 of Alstonville, who competed in the NSW Chs Athletics Championships,
- Jonathon King, 15 of Alstonville, who competed in the NSW State Athletics Championships
- Caitlan Bargwanna, 12, who competed in the Pacific School Games,
- Maya McGrath,12 of Modanville, who competed in the Australian National Under 13s Girls Hockey Championships,
- Alana Albertini, 13 of Chilcotts Grass, who competed in the Australian National Under 13s Girls Hockey Championships
For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au
