Anthony Albanese, Federal Member for Grayndler, announced the assessment panel for the Local Sporting Champions Program today.

The Rudd Labor Government has set up the Local Sporting Champions Program to provide financial assistance towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment for junior athletes (aged 12 to 18) when competing at state or national sporting competitions. Young athletes often find it difficult to cover these costs.

The grants for individual athletes are $500 and $3000 for team applications, with a total of $9000 a year for the electorate.

“These grants will help meet the costs of attending and competing in major sporting events, allowing the chosen athletes or team to realise their goals and encouraging the future growth of Australian sporting heroes,” said Mr Albanese.

“Eligibility for the grants will be assessed by the Australian Sports Commission and then the applications will be considered by the assessment panel.”

The panel will be chaired by Anthony Albanese and has been selected from people involved in community or sporting activities in the electorate:

• Father Dave Smith, from the Holy Trinity Church, Dulwich Hill,


• Derek Wilson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Marrickville Police,


• Helen Ritchie, from Hurlstone Park Wanderers Football Club,


• Carolyn Marsh, from Haberfield Netball Club, and


• Sue Stephens, NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Athletics Convenor.

“The participants bring a range of experience and interests to the panel and I look forward to working with them,” Mr Albanese said.

“Sport plays an important part in the life of many Grayndler families, promoting a healthy lifestyle and community involvement. I encourage all eligible athletes to apply for this grant”

For full details of the program go to: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/juniors/get_involved/local_sporting_champions