Federal MP for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou, has appointed a panel of local sporting mentors to help distribute grants to young rising sports stars.
Young sportsmen and women in Calwell are invited to apply for a $1.6 million Australian Government grant to help them participate in sporting competitions.
The Local Sporting Champions program is available for individuals and teams.
“Cost is often the biggest barrier for youth wanting to compete at major sporting competitions,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“The Local Sporting Champions program will help get young Australians to sporting competitions. We want our youth to be active in sport, and distance or a lack of financial means should not be a barrier to participation.”
The Calwell Local Assessment Panel is made up of dedicated volunteers who are already involved in junior sport in the local community. They will look at applications to ensure that grants are directed to a range of sports across the electorate.
Panel members are Peter Bethune (Sunbury United Sporting Club), Frank Bieshaar (Sunbury Saints Basketball Club), Michael Cassinides (Hume City Swimming Club), Wally Hanna (Upfield Soccer Club), Martin Jacobson (Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Association), Les McLean (Sunbury Little Athletics Club), and John O’Brien (Sunbury Gymnastic College). Ms Vamvakinou will chair the panel.
“I am delighted to have the involvement and input of these knowledgeable local people, who already give so much of their time to junior sport,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
Two local sportswomen have already received grants through the Local Sporting Champions program. Carly Bertrand of Sunbury was recognised for her participation in the race walking event at the Pacific School Games in December, and Erin Gangelhoff of Attwood for triathlon at the Runaway Bay Super Sprint Race also in December.
The next round of grants will be announced in May.
Individuals and teams are eligible to apply for grants of $500 and $3000 respectively. Grants can contribute towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment to support participation in an official state or national sporting competition or national school sport competition. Recipients must be between 12 and 18 years of age, and travelling more than 250km return to compete.The Australian Sports Commission manages the Local Sporting Champions Program on behalf of the Australian Government. For more information, visit ausport.gov.au/champions.
For further information, contact Carole Fabian in Maria Vamvakinou’s office, on 9309 3655