Budding stars tap funds- Holt MP Anthony Byrne and grant recipient Corey Persoons show off their skills. 62508 Picture: Stewart Chambers

By Lia Bichel
A BUDDING in-line hockey star from Cranbourne recently received a grant to play more of the sport at a higher level.
Cranbourne resident Corey Persoons received a grant from the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champion’s fund to assist with travel to South Australia to represent Victoria at the Nationals Championships last year.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne said there needed to be an active investment in sporting champions in Holt.
“Some of our kids in Holt could be our next Olympians, Paralympians, tennis stars, rugby or in-line hockey professionals,” Mr Byrne said.
“Corey has already been selected to represent Australia and I look forward to hearing about his achievements in the future,” he said.
Mr Byrne is urging other budding sports stars in Holt to tap into the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champion’s fund.
A total of $18,000 for this financial year is available for young athletes wanting to compete in state and national events.
This means 24 individual grants of $500 and two team grants of $3000 or up to 36 individual grants.
Mr Byrne said the program had been popular for young athletes in Holt since it was launched in 2008, awarding $15,500 to 25 successful athletes and 1 team so far.
More details of the Local Sporting Champions program are available at www.ausport.gov.au.