A group of young Blue Mountains sports stars have been honoured at a special afternoon tea, hosted in Springwood on November 19 by Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman.
Each was presented with a commemorative certificate, and received a grant of between $500 and $700, under the federal government’s Local Sporting Champions Program.
Ms Templeman congratulated Elki Stubbs from Faulconbridge, Ella Eberhardt from Katoomba, Emi Foster from Glenbrook and Molly Peake from Springwood on their achievements.
“Elki and Ella – both members of the Blue Mountains Junior Roller Derby League – represented Australia at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup held in Philadelphia in July,” Ms Templeman said.
“Emi represented the NSW PSSA State Team as a referee at the 12 years and under School Sports Australia Championships held in Darwin in August
“Molly competed as part of the NSW team at Football Federation Australia’s National Girls Youth Championships held in Coffs Harbour in July.
“It was wonderful to be able to recognise their accomplishments, and help them out with some of the costs associated with competing at that level.”
Although not able to attend the afternoon tea, several others received the grants. They were: Ashley Irwin, Blaxland East (Dallas International Girls Cup – Soccer); Meg Jefferson, Springwood (National U18 Basketball Championships); Samuel Jacobson, Leura (2018 Australian Gymnastics Championships); Shona Daly, Blackheath (Basketball referee – 12 years and under School Sport Australia Basketball Championships); Zachary Konstantinoff, Glenbrook (School Sport Australia 2019 Swimming Championships); Alex Gutteridge, Faulconbridge (2018 International Friendship Series, Softball); and Brenna Tarrant, Blaxland East (Youth Girls U18 National Football Championships)
“The Local Sporting Champions program is open to young people participating in championships as an athlete, coach or official, and it’s a relatively easy application process,” Ms Templeman said.
“There are three rounds each year and a wide range of sports are eligible, from roller skating, karate and fencing to football, equestrian events and basketball.”
Applications received for round 2 of the 2018/19 program are currently being assessed. Applications for round 3 are due by February 28, 2019.
“I encourage each and every sportswoman or sportsman aged 12-18 who thinks that they might be eligible, to get into contact with my office for more information,” said Ms Templeman.
Further information at: www.susantempleman.com.au/services/grants-and-funding/.
