15 aspiring athletes from across the Clarence Valley have been rewarded for their talent and determination to succeed by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan during the most recent Local Sporting Champions Award ceremony at the South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club on January 30.
Rahni McGrath from Clarenza, (Tennis), Thomas Beohm from Grafton, (Hockey), Myles Adamson from Grafton, (Hockey), Milla Stephenson from Grafton, (Hockey), Max Oxenbridge from Grafton, (Hockey), Maia Adamson from Grafton, (Hockey), Kobey Jackson from Grafton, (Hockey), Harry Oxenbridge from Grafton, (Hockey), Bridget Watters from Grafton, (Athletics), Zahli Carmichael from Gulmarrad, (Athletics), Kai Carmichael from Gulmarrad, (Athletics), Jett Burke from Gulmarrad, (Swimming), Mostyn Brown from Wooloweyah, (Netball), William Tait from Whiteman Creek, (Athletics), and Callum Tait from Whiteman Creek, (Athletics), were presented with their Local Sporting Champion certificates by Mr Hogan last week, who said they had excelled themselves by representing the Clarence Valley on the national and state stage.
“The Clarence Valley has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” he 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.
“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.
“I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.”
Mr Hogan said sport is important in the development of young people, and it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.
“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au,” he said.