Northern Rivers Young Sporting Stars Recognised
Forty-six emerging athletes receive Local Sporting Champions grants
Forty-six talented young athletes from across the Northern Rivers have been recognised for their sporting achievements through the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program, receiving grants to help them pursue success at state and national level.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented the young sportspeople with certificates acknowledging their accomplishments while confirming financial assistance designed to ease the costs associated with competing, coaching or umpiring.
The Local Sporting Champions program assists young people aged between 12 and 18 who have earned selection to compete at higher levels of their chosen sport. The funding helps families meet the often significant costs of travel, accommodation, equipment and competition entry fees.
This year’s recipients represent an impressive cross-section of sports including netball, rugby union, swimming, hockey, athletics, baseball, bowls, karate, touch football and water polo, highlighting the depth of sporting talent developing throughout the Northern Rivers.
Netball dominated the list of successful applicants, with players from communities including Goonellabah, Casino, Alstonville, Coraki, Green Pigeon, Lismore, East Lismore, Geneva, Shannon Brook and McLeans Ridges receiving support. Rugby Union was also strongly represented, alongside outstanding young swimmers from Woodenbong, Wollongbar and Eltham.
Athletes from smaller communities such as Pearces Creek, Wyrallah, Lindendale, Corndale, The Channon, Greenridge, Boat Harbour and Coolgardie also featured, demonstrating that sporting excellence continues to flourish throughout regional Australia.
The grants recognise not only sporting ability but also the commitment shown by young athletes and their families. Reaching state and national competition often requires countless hours of training and considerable financial sacrifice.
Programs such as Local Sporting Champions help remove some of those barriers, ensuring talented young competitors have the opportunity to continue developing regardless of where they live.
The latest recipients reflect the Northern Rivers’ proud tradition of producing high-quality athletes across a broad range of sports. With continued community support, many of these young competitors may go on to represent their state and country in the years ahead.
Applications for future Local Sporting Champions grants remain open to eligible young athletes selected to compete at state, national or international events.
