A number of young local sporting champions in Barker have received grants through the Federal Government’s “Local Sporting Champions Program” to help them pursue their sporting dreams. Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin met with four such students in Mount Gambier to present them with certificates and congratulate them on their achievements.

Administered by the Australian Sports Commission, the Federal Government program recognises the sporting achievements of young people who have represented their team at a state or national sporting competition throughout Australia. The initiative awards successful individual applicants a minimum of $500 to assist with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.

The program is available to young people, between the ages of 12 and 18, travelling more than 250km return to compete. “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.

Local Sporting Champions awarded were Hayden Crowe for Athletics – Australian Track and Field Championships, Ben Young for Basketball – U18 Australian National Basketball Championship, Connor Millhouse for Hockey – 2021 Australian Under 18 Mens Outdoor Championships and Rhys Earle for Hockey – Under 15 Australian Championships.

Local Sporting Champions unable to attend the presentation included Tara Bryant for Basketball – 2021 Australian National Junior Championship, Mercedes Theobald for Hockey – U18 Womens National Championships, Bertus van Niekerk for Cycling – 2021 Cycling Australia Junior National Track Championships, Aiden Cameron for Hockey – U18 Mens Australian Championship, Hockey Australia.