A number of young local sporting champions in Barker have received grants through the Federal Government’s “Local Sporting Champions Program” to assist them in pursuing their sporting dreams.
Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP met with five of the students, Molly, Natalia, Logan, William and Lachlan this week in Berri to present them with certificates and congratulate them on their achievements.
Administered by the Australian Sports Commission, the Federal Government saw 11 students from the Riverland regions awarded with funding from the program this year to help these young talented sports people participate in state or national competitions.
| Applicant | Suburb | Sport | Competition |
| Kaitlyn Ferris | Loxton | Basketball | 2022 Australian Under 14 Club Championships |
| Molly Petersen | Renmark West | Australian Football | School Sport Australia National AFL Championships |
| Natalia Hocking | Waikerie | Hockey | School Sport Australia 16 years and under Hockey Championship |
| Elise Schaefer | Loxton | Hockey | School sport Australia 16 years and under hockey championship |
| Logan Bowers | Cobdogla | Hockey | 12 and under School Sport Australia Hockey championships |
| William Stokes | Winkie | Hockey | 12 and Under National School Boys Hockey Championships |
| Lachlan Keynes | Renmark West | Basketball | U16 Australian Basketball Junior Championships 2022 |
| Rylan Coppin | Barmera | Table Tennis | 2022 National Championships |
| Amahli Kelly | Berri | Hockey | Australian National Hockey Championships |
| Kayos Bronish-Rice | Renmark | Athletics | 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships |
| Riley Burgess | Berri | Hockey | Hockey Australia Country Tour |
Mr Pasin said the initiative awards successful individual applicants a minimum of $500 to assist with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.
“The Local Sporting Champions Program is available to young people, between the ages of 12 and 18 representing their State or Nation, travelling more than 250 kilometres return to compete.” Mr Pasin said.
“The program is a rolling application process and I encourage all sporting groups and individuals that meet the eligibility criteria to apply,” Mr Pasin said.
For more information on the Local Sporting Champions program go to: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions
Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730
