Grant for athletes

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has encouraged local athletes to apply for a Federal grant after the recent success of Woy Woy judo competitor Jordan Smith.

Jordan was the recipient of a Local Sporting Champions grant that allowed him to travel to the Australian National Judo titles where he achieved a silver medal, according to Ms Neal.

Ms Neal said Jordan had also been selected to compete in the Australian team at the Oceania Judo Union Championships in Canberra later this year.

"The purpose of the Federal program is to encourage and support junior sporting champions to represent their local area," Ms Neal said.

"Jordan Smith received a grant from the Robertson Local Sporting Champions program to assist him to participate in the National Judo Titles.

"Local Sporting Champions is a fantastic program which gives young Australian athletes the chance to achieve their sporting aspirations."

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be aged between 12 and 18 years and travelling more than 250 km to participate as an athlete, coach, umpire or referee in an upcoming state or national level sporting competition.

The Local Sporting Champions program offers individuals $500 and teams $3000 funding for assistance with travel, equipment, uniforms and accommodation.

Further information, including application form and eligibility criteria, is available at ausport.gov.au/champions

Press release, 2 Jul 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson