Community News

Meg Porra with her aunty Kellie, Charlie Kelly and his mum Lisa with Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan. Image: Contributed.

Recognising our local sporting champions

Will 15-year-old Carly Shanahan be the next Layne Beachley and will 13-year-olds Jesse McGarvie and Jemma Whelan one day play with the Hockeyroos?

And will 14-year old Charlie Kelly play with the Soccerroos; while 14-year-old Tyeka Ferguson-O’Shea goes on to win Olympic gold for Australia in rowing.

And perhaps 18-year-old sisters Katie and Meg Porra and 16-year-old Koorie-Rose May Reilly will all represent Australia on the track. Will 14-year-old Tyrhys Robinson become a world Motocross champion?

Only time will tell, but Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that nine young Clarence Valley Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.

At a Local Sporting Champions Award morning tea last Thursday, Mr Hogan presented the nine local teenagers with a certificate and a $550 cheque to help with transport costs.

“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 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,” 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 Clarence Valley Sporting Champions are:

  • Tyrhys Robinson, 14 of Ramornie, who competed in the State Motocross titles,
  • Katie Porra, 18 of Waterview Heights, who competed in the Australian Cross Country Championships,
  • Meg Porra, 18 of Waterview Heights, who competed in the Australian Cross Country Championships,
  • Jesse McGarvie, 13 of Grafton, who competed in the Under 13s Australian Hockey Championships,
  • Koorie-Rose May Reilly, 16 of Grafton, who competed in NSW Athletics Chs State Championships,
  • Jemma Whelan, 13 of Copmanhurst, Under 13s Girls Field Hockey Championships,
  • Carly Shanahan, 15 of Wooli, who competed in the Surf Dive N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles,
  • Charlie Kelly, 14 of Townsend, who competed in the National Youth Soccer Championships, and
  • Tyeka Ferguson-O’Shea, 14 of Yamba, who competed in the Queensland Rowing State Championships.

For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au