LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS RECOGNISED

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS RECOGNISED

Six young sporting champions from the Mid Murray and Barossa region have been recognised for their achievements through the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin presented certificates to the recipients yesterday and congratulated them on competing at national level.

The recipients were:

• Sarah Cameron – 2026 School Sport Australia Cricket Championship 
• Oscar and Kaden Chamberlain – 2026 Junior Australian Eight Ball Championships
•  Zaxton Sward, Cohen Myatt and Kaiden Martin – 2026 National Under 16 Softball Championships

Zaxton, Cohen and Kaiden were members of the most successful under-16 boys’ softball team in South Australian history, becoming the first to finish runner-up at the national championships.

Mr Pasin also recognised three recipients who were unable to attend the presentation:

• Ollie – 2026 Australian Enduro Motorcycling Championship 
• Johnathan – 2026 Foot Locker Under 18 and Junior Wheelchair National Championships 
•  Logan – 2026 Hockey Australia Under 16 Championships

Over the past six months, 16 young athletes across Barker have received grants through the program, including nine from the Mid Murray and Barossa region.

Administered by the Australian Sports Commission, the Local Sporting Champions program provides grants of between $500 and $750 to help eligible young competitors, coaches and officials meet the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment.

“Representing your community at this level takes enormous commitment from these young athletes and their families,” Mr Pasin said.

“These grants help ease some of the financial pressure and ensure talented young people from regional communities have the opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions.

“I congratulate each recipient on their achievements and wish them every success in their chosen sport.”

The current round is open until 31 August 2026. Mr Pasin encouraged eligible young people competing at state, national or international level to apply.

For further information, visit: https://www.ausport.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions