Statements by Members - Local Sporting Champions Program

Mr CROOK (O'Connor) (13:52): I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the young sporting heroes in my electorate, some of whom have recently received Local Sporting Champion grants.

One such local sporting champion is Olivia Morris of Esperance.

Twelve-year-old Olivia has displayed a great dedication to her chosen sport, surf lifesaving.

Olivia trains five days a week before school and she has also completed her Surf Rescue Certificate, allowing her to actively assist in patrolling the Esperance beaches.

Olivia was a recent recipient of the Local Sporting Champions grants program, an Australian government program providing financial assistance to young people for travel, accommodation and equipment when competing in state or national championship events.

With this funding Olivia was able to travel the 700 kilometres to Perth to compete in the Surf Life Saving State Championships where I was pleased to hear she received a bronze medal for the Under 13 Beach Flags events.

I am pleased to note that over the past 12 months the Local Sporting Champions program has assisted 22 individuals and one team in the electorate of O'Connor, contributing a total of $14,000 to assist our young sports stars.

Coming from a regional sporting background myself, I recognise that there are limited opportunities for young people in the regions to take their sporting activities to a higher level, and I commend the Local Sporting Champions program for giving our young athletes this wonderful opportunity.