Will 15-year-old Dean Collins be the next Australian Motorcycle Trail Champion and is 15-year-old Taj Watson the next Mick Fanning?
And is 12-year-old Olissa Onley set to become our next Benita Willis or perhaps 12-year-old Lucy Not is our next Morgan Mitchell?
Only time will tell, but Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that these four Coffs Coast 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 Coffs Coast 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 order, our latest crop of Coffs Coast Sporting Champions are:
- Dean Collins, 15, who competed at the Australian Motorcycle Trail Championship
- Olissa Onley, 12, who competed at the NSW All Schools Track and Field Championship
- Taj Watson, 15, who competed in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles
- Lucy Not, 12 who competed in Athletics at the NSW PSSA
For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions
