McAuley Catholic College student Brad Chapman has won sponsorship worth around $6000 from the RSL & Service Clubs Association to participate in the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge in September this year, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced. Mr Gulaptis visited the College last Wednesday morning to congratulate the 16-year old and wish him well in his trek preparations and safe travels on behalf of the Clarence community. “This is great news and Brad is a worthy recipient of the sponsorship provided by the RSL & Service Clubs Association,” Mr Gulaptis said. “His great grandfather served with the Engineering Corps building roads and bridges in PNG and helped establish the Port Moresby power station. Brad Chapman said he was extremely proud of his great grandfather, Charles Hinds and his service in World War II. “That is why I am so excited about this new ambassadorial role with the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge,” he said. “I want to help create greater awareness of the sacrifices of the diggers on the Kokoda campaign among young people to ensure the tradition lives on.” To follow Brad’s journey search for his Facebook page ‘Brad – Kokoda Youth Challenge’.