Cash for sports stars

HOLT MP Anthony Byrne has urged local sporting stars to apply for grants available to them so they can continue to kick goals in their chosen sport.
Mr Byrne urged other Casey residents to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants as he met with Doveton rugby player Oisin Clarken this week to congratulate him on receiving one of the $500 grants.
The money went towards helping Oisin cover the costs to compete in the Victorian Rugby Union team at the ARU National U16 Championships in NSW last year.
Mr Byrne encouraged other young athletes and teams to follow in Oisin’s footsteps and apply for funding support to help them realise their sporting dreams and compete in a championship.
He said the grants aimed towards helping junior sport stars meet the costs of participation at eligible sporting competitions.
“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,” he 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.”
The Local Sporting Champions program offers grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for teams and applications for next round close on 28 February.
For more information on the Local Sporting Champions program visit the Australian Sports Commission website at www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions