FEDERAL Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has congratulated 19 young athletes from the electorate – including Moree, Narrabri and Warialda – who have received financial assistance to fulfil their sporting dreams.

The young sportspeople from Breelong, Coolah, Coonamble, Condobolin, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri and Warialda have received grants of up to $750 to assist with the costs associated with participating in state, national and international sporting championships, under the Local Sporting Champions program.

Mr Coulton presented certificates to three of the athletes during a special afternoon tea in his Dubbo electorate office recently.

He congratulated Nate Vincent, Molly Fairey, Mikaela Whan, Mia Croker, Matilda Ward, Mary-May Townsend, Lorraine Townsend, Lachlan Cook, Joshua Fardell, Jacob Martin, Haylee-Anne Mooney, George Macrae, Ella Penman, Denim Auld, Damien Acres, Chloe Cameron, Brooklyn Kennedy, Ben Willner and Alex Matthews.

“Each are kicking goals in their respective sporting endeavours,” Mr Coulton said.

“From athletics, rugby union, softball, futsal and soccer to motorcycling, motor sport, cross country and bowls, these talented young athletes each competed at the state, national and even international level, which is a fantastic achievement.

“They are excellent representatives of the Parkes electorate, and I’m pleased these grants helped them reach their sporting goals.

“We have a great deal of sporting talent here in the Parkes electorate, however many of our young sportspeople who compete at a representative level have to travel large distances to participate which can be very costly.

“This program greatly assists families to ensure their children can continue competing in the sport they love without worrying about the financial burden.”

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, presented a certificate to Ben Willner who received a Local Sporting Champions grant to compete in the NSW Rugby Union Youth State 7s Championships.

Administered by the Australian Sports Commission, the Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged between 12 and 18 who are participating in state, national or international sporting championships.

Successful applicants will receive $500 to $750 to contribute towards associated costs, including travel, accommodation, uniforms and sporting equipment.

For more information about future rounds, visit www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions