Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today presented five local teenagers with Young Sporting Champions Awards and a $500 chequre at a special morning tea held in their honour.
“Keaton, Jesse, Mackenna, Meg and Kalani have all excelled themselves representing the Clarence Valley 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 local Sporting Champions is:
- Keaton Stutt, 12 of Ulmarra, who competed in the Australian National Hockey Championships,
- Jesse Mcgarvie, 12 of Grafton, who competed in the Australian Under 13’s Hockey Championships,
- Mackenna Ensbey, 12 of Lower Southgate, who competed in the Pacific School Games,
- Meg Porra, 17 of Waterview Heights, who competed in the NSW Alll Schools Cross Country Championships.
- Kalani Ives, 12 of Yamba, who competed in the Surf Life Saving NSW State Championships
For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au
