Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to bring to the attention of the House the amazing opportunities for young Australian kids through the federal government's Local Sporting Champions program. Local Coomera student Sophie McGeachie popped into my office recently with her dad and younger brother to tell me about her success at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships. Sophie came away with three gold medals and one bronze, making her the best in Australia in three events. She was able to attend the championships in Adelaide thanks to a $500 grant from the government's Local Sporting Champions program through the Fadden grant program. The grant can be used towards travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at any official national sporting organisation, endorsed state, national or international sporting championships or School Sport Australia state, national or international championships.

What makes Sophie's story so amazing is that she headed to these championships after healing from a broken humerus—which is not funny—and trained six to seven days a week between 5 am and 7 am, with her long-suffering dad driving her there each morning. Sophie's dedication to the sport and her fantastic achievements highlight the importance of the Local Sporting Champions program. Well done, Sophie; well done, Dad. Let me encourage all young people wherever they are in this country, including the students here in the gallery today, to apply for the Local Sporting Champions program. It will make a big difference to your competitions.

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