Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has congratulated the Inverell Open Touch Team and 14 other promising young sportspeople who have been awarded Federal Government grants to assist in their athletic development.

 

This latest round is part of $3.14 million allocated nationwide for the Local Sporting Champion program, which supports young people aged between 12-18 with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.

 

Individual grants of $500 per individual and $3,000 per team are available to young people to participate in an eligible competition as an athlete, coach or official.

 

From cricket to cycling, Mr Joyce said the latest grants supported a wide spectrum of sports, proving the depth of talent among our region’s young people.

 

“The Federal Government recognises that junior sportspeople can find it difficult to meet the ongoing costs associated with participating in state, national and international competitions,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“This program provides individuals and teams with the financial support needed to enable them to compete.

 

“I was especially pleased to award these grants because it rewards young people who are working hard on developing their skills in their chosen field. It promotes important lifelong skills such as dedication, focus and healthy living. It is important we do all we can to foster this.

 

“Not only will these young people show the sporting prowess of the New England region but, there might even be a future champion among them.”

 

The latest grant recipients are:

 

Individuals:

 

Barnes Cooper, Official Touch, Tamworth,
Zachary Beveridge, Cricket, Ashford,
Kimberley Bright-Mync, Javelin/Shot Put, Undercliffe
Jack Diebold, Soccer, Tamworth
Tyla Endemi, Soccer, Calala
Ben Gamlin, Soccer, Tamworth
Jayden Gimbergh, Swimming, Bective
Ella Heeney, Cross Country, Kootingal
Samuel Jenner, Cycling, Armidale
Matur Maluach, Athletics, Armidale
Will Menz, Soccer, Werris Creek
Jacob Polzin, Cricket, Legume
Tori Saunders, Cycling, Tamworth
Ryan Thomas, Cycling, Inverell

 

Teams:

 

Inverell Open Touch Team

 

Mr Joyce said the next of round grants close on February 28 and those interested should contact his Tamworth office for further details on Toll Free 1300 301 839.