Funding boost for local young sports stars
Young local sports players can now benefit from an extra $500,000 in funding for the State Government’s popular Young Athletes Travel Subsidy.
Member for Murrumba, Chris Whiting, said the Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt, had provided the additional funds.
“This is good news, not only because it comes on the eve of National Youth Week to be marked from April 8 to 17, but it will also help more Queensland families with children needing to travel to sporting competitions,” Mr Whiting said.
“With the extra $500,000 there is now a total of $1.5million available to eligible applicants wanting to travel and participate in major competitions.”
He said three levels of assistance were available to applicants who were under 18 and met the scheme’s criteria:
- state or state school event – $200
- national or national school event – $400
- International event – $600.
“This subsidy and the extra funds available will go a long way to helping more young people to participate in regional, state and national events,” Mr Whiting said.
“It will open up opportunities for athletes who may not have previously considered attending interstate or international events because of financial constraints.
“With more funding available we can certainly help them do so.
The extra funds have been welcomed by major sporting groups.
Catherine Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Netball Queensland, also praised the Youth Athletes Travel Subsidy for helping young athletes fulfil their potential.
“The Young Athletes Travel Subsidy is helping families with the cost of travel so that the next generation of Queensland netballers and officials are able to fulfil their potential through attending elite athlete pathway events including State and National Championships,” she said.
