10 Nov 2008

Young sportsmen and women, particularly those from regional areas, often find it difficult to meet the costs associated with taking part in state or national sport competitions. As most parents and coaches know, there are costs associated with travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment.

To address this, the Australian Government has announced a $1.6 million Local Sporting Champions grant program to help with these costs.

Olympic champion walker Jared Tallent was raised on his family’s potato farm in Newlyn, just outside of Ballarat, and believes the grants will provide much-needed support, especially to those from rural and regional areas.

‘When you’re passionate about competing in your sport, being located hours away from capital cities can be a real disadvantage, and the cost can be a huge barrier to competing.

‘This grant will help young Australians get the valuable competition experience they need to continue developing in their sport,’ Tallent said.

Minister for Sport Kate Ellis said young Australian athletes and junior sports teams will be able to apply for funding to help cover the cost of attending significant or specialist sporting events,

'The Local Sporting Champions program will help young sportsmen and women, as well as teams to compete at significant sporting events,' Ms Ellis said.

'Funding will be available to help people aged 12 to 18 years to help cover the costs of attending and competing in major sporting events.
'Grants of $500 per individual and $3,000 per team are available to help meet costs such as travel, equipment, uniforms, and accommodation.

'This will particularly help young sportspersons and teams if they have to travel interstate to compete, or they live in regional or rural areas and have to travel long distances to compete in major events.'

A total of $9,000 a year in grants will be available for each metropolitan electorate and $12,500 a year in grants for non-metropolitan electorates to help young sports people achieve their sporting goals.

Applications for grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either through the Australian Sports Commission or the office of the local Federal Member.

Find out how to apply for grants below.