Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, will join 15 local recipients of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions grants at a celebration ceremony at the Bendigo Mountain Bike Club Pavilion in Spring Gully today (April 30).

 “Playing sport at competition level takes passion, dedication and hard work.  It also involves extensive travel, training, specialist equipment and clothing, and as many parents have told me, all those costs add up.

“For the families behind our young sporting champs it can be very expensive, especially for those living in regional areas like Bendigo.

“The Local Sporting Champions grants are about helping talented young men and women pursue their sporting dreams,” said Chesters.

The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative to provide financial assistance for young people. The grants can be used for travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at the event.

“I’m delighted to be here with local sporting stars of the future and the present.

“Bendigo has a rich and varied sporting history and it’s great to see so many different sports represented today – recipients of the grants include swimming, cycling, netball, water skiing, skate, athletics and mountain biking,” said Chesters.

The Round 3 2018-19 successful applicants are:

Applications for the grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either by visiting www.ausport.gov.au/champions  or by contacting Lisa Chesters’ office directly on 5443 9055.