Wednesday, 31 January 2018

Getting to the finish line is sometimes only half the battle for some of our emerging sports stars, so the Andrews Labor Government is making getting to the start line a lot easier.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today announced that applications for the next round of the Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program are now open.

Everyone involved in sport needs to travel long distances to competitions or training camps to reach their potential, and we are helping them to remove the cost barrier of travel and accommodation.

Ms Shing encouraged athletes, coaches, officials and teams across Gippsland to take advantage of the grant and get their application in to Sport and Recreation Victoria.

State sporting associations will be able to apply for grants of up to $6000 for teams, or $2000 for individual athletes for travel to compete at national championships or selection trials.

Clubs can also apply for up to two grants per funding round of $750 each to assist athletes, coaches, officials and teams with the travel costs of training and competition.

In the last round funding support was given to Victorians to take on the best in Australia in events like the D.A.N.C.E. National Championships, Australian Paragliding Nationals, National Rowing Championships and Junior Cross Country Ski Squad program and development camps.

The Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s strategy to make sport more accessible and inclusive and boost local participation.

Applications for 2017-18 are now open and close on 6 March 2018. For more information or to apply online visit sport.vic.gov.au. 

Quotes attributable Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

The cost of travel and accommodation as part of competition can often be prohibitively high for young athletes, no matter what sport they play.”

“This funding will give more players, coaches and volunteers across Gippsland the support they need to take their skills to the next level.”    

“I encourage all local clubs and state sporting associations across the region to make the most of this opportunity and start applying now.”