Rising sports stars given financial boost

Lindsay MP Fiona Scott with grant recipients
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Young sporting stars were delighted to receive $500 each last week, to help them pursue their sporting goals.

11 young locals received a Local Sporting Champions grant at a ceremony at Westfield Penrith, that will give them a leg-up in pursuing their dreams.

13-year-old South Penrith resident Jade Sweeney, who has been diving for three years, said it has been a lot of work for her and her family.

“I train 24 hours a week – three mornings, every afternoon, and Saturdays at Homebush,” she said.

Lindsay MP Fiona Scott with one of the grant recipients
Lindsay MP Fiona Scott with one of the grant recipients

Jade’s mother said the before and after school training is expensive, but her daughter’s commitment makes it all worth it.

“You wake Jade at 5am and she’s up, she never wants to miss her training, she is just so committed,” she said.

Other young talented stars like roller skaters Ebene Montgomery, 14, and Charli Goldmann, 13, train between three to six times a week for two to four hours.

The Federal Government program aims to nurture the dreams of young locals by helping with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment.

Lindsay MP Fiona Scott said it was impressive to see so many talented young people in the Penrith region.

Lindsay MP Fiona Scott with one of the grant recipients
Lindsay MP Fiona Scott with one of the grant recipients

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