By Brendan Rees
Sixteen rising sporting talents have been rewarded for their achievements by receiving Federal Government Local Sporting Champions grants.
The athletes were recently presented with their grants varying between $500 and $700 by Holt MP Anthony Byrne at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park.
The Local Sporting Champions program aims to provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.
Two of the recipients included brothers Kurt Tchia and Koen Tchia who both compete for Mazenod Volleyball Club.
They have also represented Victoria in the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Championships. The Local Sporting Champions Grant will assist both in representing Victoria at the national Championships in Western Australia this year.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Local Sporting Champions Committee consisting of Chris Drysdale, Judy Owen, Mladin Krsman and Vanassa Gerdes for selecting this year’s grant recipients,” said Mr Byrne.
• Grant recipients:
Putu Giri (swimming)
Liam Trevillian (karate)
Jesse Thompson Inline (hockey)
Mitchell Shane (baseball)
Daniel Van Hees (indoor cricket)
Melissa Woolf (swimming)
Kurt Tchia (volleyball)
Koen Tchia (volleyball)
Mikey Mailelaa (rugby league)
Jamaine Sialau (rugby union)
Jeremiah Sialau (rugby union)
Tristan Little (softball)
Isopo Taunuu (rugby league)
Trinity Walter (skate)
Izaac Batey (rugby league)
Alanah Mison (cricket)
