Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan celebrated the success of Local Sporting Champions from across the Northern Rivers area yesterday at a morning tea.

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 our community on the national and state stage,” Kevin Hogan said.

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete in their chosen sport.

“Our region 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.

In no particular order, our latest Sporting Champions are:

• Jesse Cooper from Goonellabah - Touch Football

• Sarah Green from Fairy Hill - Netball

• Riley Flood from Goolmangar - Rugby Union

• Coco Zorzo from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Emmett Murphy from Tregeagle - Tennis

• Sophie Mayes from Goonellabah - Swimming

• Darcy Drooger from Casino - Rugby Union

• Kody McQuilty from East Lismore - Ruby Union

• Sam McLennan from Casino - Netball

• Charlie Jung from Old Bonalbo - Swimming

• Caitlyn Halliday from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Tahlia Halliday from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Angus Smyth from Alstonville - Swimming

• Cai Garrett from Wollongbar - Rugby Union

• Noah Enright from Coraki - Hockey

• Sophie Peters from Casino - Netball

• Allie Walters from Kyogle - Netball

• Isaac Coulter from Casino - Hockey

• Lachlan Allen from McLeans Ridges - Rugby Union

• Isabelle Slater from Wollongbar - Touch Football

• Blake Hughes from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Django Hudson Sheaffe from Goonellabah - Rugby Union

• Judah Heath from South Evans Head - Rugby Union

• Kali Ainsworth from Fairy Hill - Rugby Union

• Oliver Davis from Alstonville - Hockey

• Charles Ticknor from Evans Head - Surfing

• Nate Boxsell from Lismore Heights - Rugby Union

• Jaxon Koroheke from Coraki - Rugby Union

• Lani Blunn from Goonellabah - Hockey

• Jack McLean from Doubtful Creek - Hockey

• Wez Weekes from Caniaba - Rugby League

• Samuel Butler from Deep Creek - Rugby Union

• Hayden Copper from Casino - Rugby League

• Bonnie Llewellyn from Mongogarie - Netball

• Ella Rippon from Mallanganee - Netball

• Lachlan Rippon from Mallanganee - Rugby Union

“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”.

For more information about the program, go to www.ausport.gov.au