Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is urging young athletes to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to support their involvement in sport. “This is a fantastic program that helps Australian kids to pursue their sporting dreams,” Mr Taylor said.

“That’s why I’m encouraging young athletes, coaches and officials in Hume to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant before the deadline closes on June 30.”

“These $500 grants provide financial assistance to athletes, coaches and officials to go towards travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when attending endorsed state, national or international championships.

“The grants are aimed at alleviating the financial strain some families and young athletes feel when selected for a significant sporting event.”

NSW Karate team member Elyse Wood of Bargo was one of 11 Hume athletes to receive a grant in the last round and said it would help her and her family meet the costs of travelling to karate tournaments.

“With karate being largely a self-funded sport, this grant has provided some financial relief for me for the upcoming Australian National Karate Championships, which are being held in August in Caloundra, and will be used towards my accommodation costs,” she said.

The number of Local Sporting Champions grants is limited, and it is important that athletes, coaches and officials apply for the financial support before their event.

For more information about Local Sporting Champions grants and to apply, visit www.ausport.gov.au/LSC.

Mr Taylor has also welcomed the extension of Sporting Schools Program, with a $41.7 million investment to deliver high quality sporting activities for students.

“Up to 1.1 million primary and secondary school students will take part in the program which will incentivise schools to embed sport and physical activity into their daily routines,” he said.

For more information about the Sporting Schools Program, visit www.sportingschools.gov.au.