Will 16-year-old Toby Power, 12-year-old Harry Watts and 13-year-olds Tyler Gaddes and Tyler McGarvie one day stand on the Olympic podium with their Kookaburra team mates, while 14-year-old Kroehnert also takes out gold for women’s hockey? And will 12-year-old Toby Campbell reach his dream of representing Australia in the pool? Is 16-year-old Georgia Breward about to redefine the rulebook about women playing in the AFL premiership season? And will Bethany Hickey (16) and Nathalie Avery (13) make the Clarence synonymous with Australian athletics around the world? Only time will tell, but Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that these nine Clarence Valley Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams. At a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea last Wednesday, Mr Hogan presented the four local teenagers with a $500 cheque to help them on their way. “Those who received the awards have excelled themselves representing the Clarence Valley on the national and state stage,” he said. 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. “The North Coast has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent,” Mr Hogan 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. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.” “Sport is important in the development of young people: 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.” In no particular order, our latest crop of Clarence Valley Sporting Champions are: • Toby Power, 15, who represented NSW as an umpire at the 2016 Under 12 Boys Hockey Championship in Cairns, • Bethany Hickey, 16, who competed in athletics at the 2016 NSW Combined High School and All Schools State Championship, • Nathalie Avery, 13, who competed in athletics at the 2016 All Schools State Championship, • Toby Campbell, 12, who competed in the State Age Swimming Championship • Tyler Gaddes, 13, who competed in Australian Hockey Championships • Georgia Breward, 16, who competed in the AFL NSW Youth Girls State Cup • Harry Watts, 12, who compete in the Australian Hockey Championships • Georgia Kroehnert, 14, who competed in the Australian Hockey Championship • Tyler McGarvie, 13, who competed in the Australian Hockey Championships For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au