Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan is making sure that 34 young Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are given every opportunity to follow their dreams.

At a Local Sporting Champions Award event yesterday, Mr Hogan presented the local teenagers with a certificate in recognition of their achievements and confirmed their grants from the Local Sporting Champions program.

“Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the national and state stage,” Mr Hogan said.

“The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport.”

“The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent.” 

“Unfortunately succeeding in sport doesn’t just take talent and determination – parents also often have to put their hands in their pockets to get their children to competitions. I’m very pleased to be able to help these families with financial support through these grants.”

“Sport is important in the development of young people: it teaches them life-long skills like teamwork, keeps them fit and healthy, and allows them to excel in something they love and enjoy.”

“I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au.”

Our latest Northern Rivers Sporting Champions are:

• Lachlan Barnes from Alstonville, Cricket
• Amber Bryant from Blakebrook, Athletics
• James McCullagh from Bonalbo, Athletics
• Connor McCarthy from Caniaba, Baseball
• Crystal Gill from Casino, Athletics
• Bryce Byrne from Casino, Touch Football
• Allora Gould from Casino, Netball
• Matilda Austin from Chilcotts Grass, Netball
• Skye Skillen from Corndale, Athletics
• Padraig Heffernan from Dunoon, Cross Country
• Macy Field from East Lismore, Rugby Union
• Ella Morgan-Spooner from East Lismore, Netball
• Xavier Dann from Eltham, Athletics
• Willow Dann from Eltham, Athletics
• Tyler Packham from Goonellabah, Athletics
• Sophie Powell from Goonellabah, Netball
• Maya Mcnamara from Goonellabah, Netball
• Max Venables from Goonellabah, Hockey
• Max Alcorn from Goonellabah, Futsal
• Jack Elphick from Goonellabah, Touch Football
• Caitlyn Halliday from Goonellabah, Hockey
• Matilda Green from Green Pigeon, Netball
• Talis Walker from Jiggi, Athletics
• Tennille Owen from Kyogle, Athletics
• Pippa Kennedy from Kyogle, Athletics
• Morgan Selesele from Kyogle, Athletics
• Jed Mulcahy from Kyogle, Cricket
• Isabella McPherson from Lismore, Athletics
• Zoe Silver from Lynwood, Water Polo
• Hadley Dowton from McLeans Ridges, Athletics
• Amity Dzendolet from Modanville, Athletics
• Shakyia Gambrill from North Woodburn, Athletics
• Isabelle Slater from Wollongbar, Touch Football
• Jada Kliewer from Geneva, Athletics