Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, has today encouraged the region’s young athletes and teams to apply for funding support to help them realise their sporting dreams and compete in a championship.
Ms King said the Gillard Government’s Local Sporting Champions program is aimed at helping junior sport stars meet the costs of participation at eligible sporting competitions.
The Local Sporting Champions program offers grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for teams and applications for round three close on 28 February, 2013.
Local junior athletes can apply for a grant to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment associated with participating in an eligible championship.
“The Gillard Government is committed to promoting participation in sport and providing support to boost our community sporting programs,” Ms King said.
“This grant program is designed to help more families cover the costs of expenses associated with participating in sporting competitions and support our junior athletes and future Olympians.
“Individual athletes and teams who are participating in appropriately endorsed state school sport championships or international competitions are now also eligible to apply for support.
“I encourage parents, coaches and junior athletes to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to help them meet the costs of their involvement in a sporting championship.”
Ms King said the Gillard Government now provides $3.17 million in funding through the Local Sporting Champions program each year to support junior athletes perform at a championship level.
“This has been a very successful and popular program and the Government is proud to help support young Australians achieve their sporting dreams,” Ms king said.
For more information on the Local Sporting Champions program visit the Australian Sports Commission website: www.ausport.gov.au/champions.