McCORMACK DELIVERS FINANCIAL BOOST TO BUDDING SPORTS STARS

UP-AND-COMING athletes in the Riverina have been given a financial boost thanks to a Government grant delivered by Riverina Federal MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

In the latest round, 33 young athletes from across the Riverina and Central West were successful in receiving a total of $20,650 in funding from the Federal Government.

The latest round brings the total number of grants awarded to 76 talented young athletes aged between 12 and 18 years old totalling $44,650.

Mr McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government was committed to helping the next generation of sports stars achieve their dreams.

“These grants will go a long way to helping our talented youngsters compete on a broader scale, whether it is at a national or state championship or indeed on the international stage,” Mr McCormack said.

“This program is a great initiative from the Federal Government and I am proud to be able to deliver this money to help nurture and develop our future sports stars.”

A new round of the program is currently open until 28 February and Mr McCormack urged any eligible sports people aged between 12 and 18 years old to go to the www.sportaus.gov.au website to apply.

“The Liberals and Nationals’ Government has been able to help people in a range of different sports from polocrosse to swimming to all the football codes,” Mr McCormack said.

“The program is also open to coaches and match officials as well.”

Each successful applicant receives at least $500 plus an extra $50 for living in a rural electorate. If the applicant’s championship destination is between 800km to 1,999km away, another $100 is added and if the competition is more than 2,000km away, they receive an extra $200.