Will 15-year-old Woolgoolga teenager Lachlan Rook be the next James Magnussen, and will Sandy Beach teenager Chloe Piper one day represent Australia in the Track and Field?
And perhaps 12-year-old Breah Fischer of Sapphire Beach will play for the Hockeyroos and 16-year-old Zoe Campbell go on to find international fame as a pony rider.
Only time will tell, but Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that four young Northern Beachs Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.
At a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea today, Mr Hogan presented the four local teenagers with a $500 cheque to help them on their way.
“Those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Beachs 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 mid-North and North Coasts 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:
- Zoe Campbell, 16 of Bucca, who competedin the Australian National Pony Club Championship,
- Lachlan Rook, 15 of Woolgoolga, who competed in the National Under 12 and Under 14 Claycourt Champships
- Cloe Piper, 15 of Sandy Beach, who competed in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships, and
- Breah Fischer, 12 of Sapphire Beach, who competed in the Pacific School Games.
For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au
