Pictured: Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Bridget McKenzie, in Armidale with local athletes successful in the recent funding round, Kieran Wicks, Caleb Bettison, Katie Haynes, Michelle Haynes and Olive Tutt.

Young athletes in Armidale have an extra spring in their step following recent grants awarded under Round 3 of the Liberal Nationals Government's 2018-19 Local Sporting Champions program.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has congratulated the recipients on their grants which provide support for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 to help with costs related to competing at a state, national and international level.

“We have some incredibly talented sports people here in the New England and the quality of applicants for these grants is testament to that,” Mr Joyce said.

“These athletes through hard work and determination are living their dream of competing at the highest level in their chosen sport and I wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Round 3 grant recipients from Armidale include: Kieran Wicks - Hockey (O’Connor Catholic College); Katie Haynes - Volleyball; Caleb Bettison - Athletics (Armidale Secondary College); Olive Tutt - Mountain Bike (O’Connor Catholic College) and Michelle Haynes - Volleyball (Armidale Secondary College).

Mr Joyce encouraged interested applicants in New England to apply for Round 1 of the 2019-20 Local Sporting Champions grants before the deadline closes on June 30, 2019.

If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships

·     Base Grant: $500

·     Applicants travelling 800km - 1999km to their nominated championships: + $100

·     Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2000km to their nominated   championships: + $200

·     Applicants residing in a rural electorate: + $50

For more information about Local Sporting Champions grants and to apply, click here.

(ENDS)