Sports grants announced

Local MP Justine Elliot yesterday encouraged North Coast young athletes and teams to apply for funding support to help them realise their sporting dreams and compete in a championship.

Justine said the Federal Labor Government's Local Sporting Champions program is aimed at helping our junior sport stars meet the costs of participation at eligible sporting competitions.

Local junior athletes can apply for a grant to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment associated with participating in an eligible championship.

The Local Sporting Champions program offers grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for teams and applications for round two close on 31 October, 2012.

"The Federal Labor Government is committed to promoting participation in sport and providing support to boost our community sporting programs," Justine said.

"This grant program is designed to help more families cover the costs of expenses associated with participating in sporting competitions and support our junior athletes and future Olympians.

"Individual athletes and teams who are participating in appropriately endorsed state school sport championships or international competitions are now also eligible to apply for support.

"I encourage parents, coaches and junior athletes to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to help them meet the costs of their involvement in a sporting championship," said Justine.

Justine said the Federal Labor Government now provides $3.17 million in funding each year, to support junior athletes performing at a championship level.

For more information on the program visit: www.ausport.gov.au/champions.