Young sporting talent from across the Northern Rivers was firmly in the spotlight today, with 29 local athletes recognised at a Local Sporting Champions Award ceremony celebrating dedication, achievement and the extra effort it takes to compete from a regional community.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented each recipient with a certificate and confirmed their grants through the Local Sporting Champions program, which provides financial assistance to young people aged 12 to 18 who are competing, coaching or umpiring at representative level.

Mr Hogan said the event was always a highlight on the calendar, bringing together families and young people who have already achieved impressive milestones in their chosen sports.

“This is a wonderful day of celebration,” he said. “We have children between the ages of 12 and 18 who have excelled at their sport. Some have represented our region, some our state, and in rare cases, even our country.”

He said young athletes from the Northern Rivers often face significant travel demands compared to their city counterparts.

“If you live in Sydney, you might be five kilometres from where you compete,” he said. “But our kids have to travel. There are fuel costs, accommodation costs, time away from school and work for parents. That can be quite onerous on families.”

The Local Sporting Champions grants range between $500 and $800 depending on travel distance, and Mr Hogan said even a small amount can make a meaningful difference, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis.

Today’s recipients reflected the diversity of sport across the region, with athletes competing in hockey, water polo, athletics, cross-country and more.

Among them was local hockey player Taj Vantaggiato, who travelled to Brisbane to compete at the Under 14s Australian National Championships after being selected to represent New South Wales.

Taj Vantaggiato speaks with Kevin Hogan about his time at the competition

“There’s a lot of training and a lot of travel,” Taj said. “You’ve really got to want it. This grant is going to help so much with the costs.”

He said coming from a regional area and competing against athletes from major cities was both challenging and motivating.

“They’ve got all the facilities up there,” he said. “But as a regional kid, it’s really great to be able to compete at that level and hold your own.”

Athletics was also represented, with Ruth Byrnes travelling to Sydney to compete at the NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association championships in javelin. Her father, Patrick Byrnes, said the financial support made it far easier for families to back their children’s sporting ambitions.

“In our case, it was fuel to get to Sydney and back, accommodation, and basic things like food,” he said. “Without that support, it would be much more difficult for one of us to travel with Ruth.”

He said regional athletes can feel outnumbered at large metropolitan events, but they consistently rise to the occasion.

“The regional kids might feel like fish out of water at first, but they certainly hold their own,” he said. “These grants give kids opportunities they might not otherwise get.”

Water polo player Patrick Silver was recognised after travelling to Hobart to compete in the 13-and-under National Development Carnival, representing Queensland after progressing through a demanding selection pathway.

Patrick Silver is all smiles as he is presented with his certificate

“There’s a lot of travel involved, especially being regional,” Patrick said. “We’re going to Brisbane pretty much every week for training.”

He said being part of a small regional club made the achievement even more special.

“Alstonville is such a small club, but we still do really well at those big championships,” he said. “To be selected and then come second at a national carnival was pretty amazing.”

Mr Hogan said hearing stories like these was one of the best parts of the day.

“It’s always fascinating to see the range of sports and to hear how hard these kids train and what excites them,” he said. “Today is about celebrating them, acknowledging their achievements, and supporting families so these young people can keep chasing their goals.”

Our latest Northern Rivers Sporting Champions acknowledged today were:

• Amahli Adams from Goonellabah - Netball
• Amirah Shah from East Lismore - Athletics
• Bailey Skinner from Alstonville - Cross Country
• Bryce Byrne from Casino - Rugby Union
• Chloe Kiss from Keerrong - Athletics
• Crystal Gill from Casino - Athletics
• Ella Davey from Caniaba - Netball
• Evie North from Wollongbar - Touch Football
• Finley Gleeson from Koonorigan - Sailing/Yachting
• Gus Collings from Caniaba - Softball
• Indie Walker from Casino - Athletics
• Isabelle Slater from Wollongbar - Touch Football
• Jed Duignan from Evans Head - Rugby Union
• John Bull from Georgica - Cricket
• Latrell Lowah from Evans Head - Athletics
• Lucas Murray from East Lismore - Rugby Union
• Mackenzee Daley from Geneva - Athletics
• Mackenzie Skinner from Alstonville - Water Polo
• Mason Creighton-Stephenson from Lismore - Athletics
• Mikayla Evely from Richmond Hill - Netball
• Mikayla Krassos from South Lismore - Netball
• Nate Walters from Kyogle - Athletics
• Patrick Silver from Lynwood - Water Polo
• Primrose Scott from Alstonville - Water Polo