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Young
Athlete Assistance Program
PRESS
RELEASE
Junior
sport has received a major boost with a new State Government initiative to
help young Queenslanders meet their travel and accommodation expenses when
selected to compete in major sporting events held 100 km or more from
home.
The
Young Athlete Assistance Program was announced today by Premier Peter
Beattie and Minister for Sport Tom Barton with an annual budget of
$500,000.
Mr
Beattie said the grants are being introduced to help junior competitors
under the age of 18 attend State, national and international events,
including school championships.
Three
levels of assistance are available based on the distance an athlete has to
travel, with $500 for 100-500 km, $650 for 500-1000 km and $800 for over
1000 km.
"Queensland
has an enviable track record of developing young champions and the State
Government is committed to building on that proud sporting
tradition," Mr Beattie said.
"This
program recognises that the need to attend major events for higher-level
competition can impose significant costs on junior athletes and their
families.
"It
will help hundreds of aspiring young champions pursue their goals every
year and add another chapter to Queensland's record of sporting success.
"At
a time when we are focussing on how to improve healthy eating and exercise
to combat rising levels of obesity, this program will encourage more kids
to continue playing sport."
Mr
Barton said the program was open to all young Queenslanders who were
registered members of recognised sporting organisations at local, regional
and State levels, or selected to compete at a State school championship,
unless they had already received a scholarship through the Queensland
Academy of Sport.
"Applications
will need to be endorsed by a parent or guardian and accompanied by formal
confirmation of selection by the relevant sporting organisation or
school," he said.
"Successful
applicants will receive their grants by cheque and will need to provide
official verification of their participation following the event."
Mr
Barton said application forms, eligibility criteria and other details
could are available online at www.sportrec.qld.gov.au
or calling 1300 656 191.
"The
Beattie Government already provides more than $50 million in sport and
recreation grants each year to develop facilities and support
participation initiatives across the State," Mr Barton said.
"Over
the past year, those grants have helped some 1400 clubs and organisations
improve the services they offer to their members and communities, from
Coolangatta to the Torres Strait.
"This
program is another demonstration of our commitment to helping more
Queenslanders participate in sport and active recreation from the
grassroots to the elite levels.
"I
strongly encourage all eligible young athletes to apply."
For
more information on how the Beattie Government is helping Queenslanders
get active, contact your nearest Sport and Recreation Queensland office on
1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
/ends
Media
Contacts: Premier's Office - 07 3224 4500
Minister's
Office - 07 3225 2210
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