The Northern Rivers has a rich and proud sporting history and today six teenagers have been inducted as Local Young Sporting Champions who could one day be household names.
“Presenting these twice-yearly awards is one of the highlights of my year,” the Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said.
“All of these Young Champions have put in the hard yards to represent our community at the state, national or international level, and it is only right that we give them the recognition that they deserve.”
Among the Award winners are Ten Pin Bowlers Hayden Dover and Shane Joseph who are competing in the Presidents Junior Interstate Shield, the most important event of a junior bowlers national career, and Maddison Morrissey who will be representing the Casino Tennis Club at the Medibank Junior Development Series.
Mr Hogan presented the Awards and a $500 cheque to help the Young Champions on their way at a special morning tea today.
The Local Sporting Champions programme provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.
“As a sports fan, I’m very pleased to help these teenagers follow their dreams. Those who received the awards have presented the Northern Rivers with distinction,” 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.”
Our latest crop of Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are:
- Hayden Dover,17 of Ballina, Ten Pin Bowling Presidents Junior Interstate Shield
- Cara Feain-Ryan, 15 of Alstonville, Australian Cross Country Championship
- Illarrah Hickling, 12 of West Ballina, NSW All School Track and Field
- Shane Joseph, 17 of Ballina, Ten Pin Bowling Presidents Junior Interstate Shield
- Taquira Mcgrath, 13 of Goonellabah, Australian Hockey Championship
- Maddison Morrissey, 13 of Casino, Medibank Junior Tennis Development Series