THE Hunter continued its proud tradition of sporting excellence when federal member Joel Fitzgibbon awarded the Local Sporting Champions grants late last year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The recipients, who received certificates from the Hunter MP on December 19 and funding between $550 and $750, included school kids from Wyee to Cameron Park, Balmoral to Cessnock, and even Sandy Hollow, representing their district or state in athletics, boxing, football, pony club and softball.
"I'm a supporter of sporting participation for young people," said Mr Fitzgibbon, who hosted the presentation at the Right Space hall in the Cessnock Tennis Club.
"But, there's always sportspeople who want to put in a bigger effort and really push themselves to excel.
"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get to that higher level.
"And, it also incurs a few extra costs, which these grants might help to meet.
"Playing sport at an elite level also requires parents, teachers and coaches to assist in the effort, and I acknowledge them, too."
Those receiving the Local Sporting Champions grants included Lachlan East, 12, from Wyee, who competed in the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships in the Northern Territory, and Ethan Hamid, 15, from Cessnock, who competed in his weight division at the under-19 Australian Boxing Championships in Queensland.
The Hunter region excelled again at football, with Blair Fitzpatrick, 14, from Bonnells Bay, and 14-year-olds Jessica and Katie McMorrow, from Cameron Park, all playing for Northern New South Wales at the FFA National Youth Championships at Coffs Harbour in July.
The twins, who attend Hunter Sports High School, said the competition to make the Northern NSW team was intense and the level of ability at the championships was very high.
"We came second in our pool and fourth overall," said Katie, who plays in the midfield.
Jessica, who's a striker and also plays on the wing, said it was a bonus to be playing in the same rep team as her sister.
"I don't think they've had identical twins playing in the Matildas - that might have to be our goal," she added.
Local Sporting Champions
Olivia Adey (Rathmines) - basketball
Isla Bottomley (Sandy Hollow) - pony club
Jake Callen (Coal Point) - football
Lachlan East (Wyee) - athletics
Blair Fitzpatrick (Bonnells Bay) - football
Ethan Hamid (Cessnock) - boxing
Zane Howarth (Balmoral) - softball
Abbey McDonald (Cessnock) - gymnastics
Jessica McMorrow (Cameron Park) - football
Katie McMorrow (Cameron Park) - football
Kayden Soper (Bellbird) - football