Media Statement - 28th September 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will invest in our local sporting champions with a Local Champions Grant Program to provide financial assistance for our junior sportsmen and women.
Grants of up to $500 per individual and $3,000 per team will be available to children and young people up to 18 years old to compete in significant sport or specialist sporting events which involve travel greater than 250km.
All children and sporting teams are welcome to apply for funding under the program.
Under the Local Champions Grant Program, particular consideration will be given to local sporting champions from regional areas that face ongoing and significant costs associated with participation in sporting events.
The grants will help cover costs such as travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment.
Matched funding for the program will be sought from corporate sponsors at both a national and local level to increase the amount of funding available to encourage young people to participate in sport.
The Local Champions Grant Program will be administered by the Australian Sports Commission in consultation with local government, with $1.6 million per annum allocated to the program starting in 2008-09.
Participants in junior sport, particularly those selected for representative teams, are often required to meet substantial costs for travel, uniforms, registration and other expenses. This is particularly the case in rural and regional Australia, as associated travel costs are more frequent and more significant.
It is important that we encourage young Australians to be active in sport.
Distance or a lack of financial means should not be a barrier to participation.
Local and national businesses already provide extensive support to assist young people's participation. This program will offer community minded organisations an easier way to support talented young Australians.
The Local Champions Grant Program will provide communities with a means to support their local champions, and provide our talented young people with the support they need to excel.