Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently had the pleasure of meeting 15 promising young Northern Tasmanian sportsmen and women—and their parents—who were the latest recipients of $500 grants under the government's Local Sporting Champions program. These athletes are aged between 14 and 19 and represented in 10 different sports. The parents and families of promising athletes often make great sacrifices to support their children compete at higher levels and it is always great to hear how these grants help them on their way. The government's Local Sporting Champions program is playing a part in helping these bright young sporting prospects achieve their goals, and I would like to put their names on the record: Charlea Malkin and Emily Heazlewood, who are soccer players; Juanita Cowling, a gymnast; Oscar Davie and Lauren Perry, who are cyclists. It is noteworthy that Lauren won a gold medal at the recent Junior World Track Cycling Championships in South Korea in the teams pursuit and a bronze medal in the individual pursuit. For the second year in a row, Lauren has the honour of wearing the rainbow jersey, the hallmark of a world champion. I acknowledge also Liam O'Brien and Trent Walsh, pistol shooters; Bailey Gillow, Oliver Sanders and Jonty Krushka, who are Australian Rules players; Ashley Nankervis, who is involved in orienteering; Leah Renton, Mackenzie French, Melanie French and Sophie Taylor, who are swimmers; Alissa Pearson and Miranda Grant, hockey players; Jordan Talbot and Jade Longstaff in athletics; and Tyler Blizzard, a boxing champion. I congratulate these young, talented sporting champions from Northern Tasmania.