$500 for local sports stars

At a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea last week, 14 local teenagers were awarded $500 cheques to help them to follow their sporting dreams.

‘Those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the northern rivers on the national and state stage,’ federal member for Page Kevin Hogan 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,’ 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.

‘To apply for a grant contact my office or check out the website ausport.gov.au,’ he said.

The northern rivers sporting champions are:

Cassandra Hill, 12, of Tullera, NSW Primary Football Girls Championships;

Georgia Brown, 13, of East Coraki, National U/13s Hockey Championships;

Max Mulcahy, 15, of Wollongbar, NSW State Age Swimming Competition;

Bailey Crabtree, 15, of East Lismore, NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships;

Charles Corcoran, 12, of Numulgi, National Inline Hockey Championships;

Teykoa Harley, 15, of Kyogle, NSW Athletics State Championships;

Nathan Leslie, 15, of Rous Mill, NSW Secondary Athletics Championships;

Laquisa Khan, 15, of Goonellabah, who competed in QLD State Age Championships;

Ziah Piggott, 13, of Roseberry, NSW Athletics State Championships;

Kye Duesbury, 15, of Alstonville, NSW Chs Athletics Championships; and

Jonathon King, 15, of Alstonville, NSW State Athletics Championships