A group of young sportsmen and women from the Hume electorate have been awarded $500 grants under the Local Sporting Champions programme.

The programme is administered by the Australian Sports Commission and recognises the sporting achievements of young people who have competed at a state or national level throughout Australia.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor held a presentation recently in his Goulburn electorate office for a number of award recipients. He will congratulate a number of other recipients on Saturday 6 September at the Harden Show.

“The applications were of a very high standard and all the young men and women who applied should feel proud of their remarkable achievements,” Mr Taylor said. “This round was very competitive – we had athletes competing in a variety of sports, including polocrosse, rugby, baseball, taekwondo and mountain climbing.

“I strongly encourage those who are eligible for this grant to apply for the next round.”

The program is available to young people between 12 and 18 years of age who travel more than 250km (return) to compete in their chosen sport. The grant money may be put towards costs associated with equipment, fees, uniforms, training and transportation. Round 2 of the program will close on 31 October 2014. For further information please visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/local_sporting_champions

Award recipients are as follows: Mikayla Evans, Goulburn (Hockey), Byron Hollingsworth Dessent, Goulburn (Rugby), Joel Downey, Goulburn (Taekwon-do), Timothy Nelson, Hill Top (Baseball), Callum Klep, Wallaroo (AFL), Kate Reid, Goulburn (AFL), Corey Eslick, The Oaks (Hockey), Samuel Watson, Mummel (Showjumping), Marlow Meares, Bellmount Forest (Polocrosse), Chloe Cartwright, Yass (Dressage), Grace Kuchlmayr, Wamboin (Cricket), James Martin, Murrumbateman (Basketball), Maris Coulton, Wallaroo (Basketball), Olivia Gay, Boorowa (Netball), Alyssa Armstrong, Cootamundra (Soccer), William Hodges, Greenethorpe (Cycling), Jacob Lucas, Young (Cricket), Emma Kelly, Young (Netball) and Daniel Trembath, Harden (Polocrosse).