It can be a long drive to participate in your sport of choice when you live in the western plains, especially when your talents take you beyond local and regional competitions. 

Last year the Local Sporting Champions program, run by Australian Sports Commission, gave two young people from the Western Plains region a grant to compete in state sporting championships.  

Often, children in regional areas are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing sport. 

A 2020 University of Sydney study found 76% of children in major cities participate in organised physical activity outside of school, compared to just 69% in regional areas and only 58% in remote regions.  

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance between $500 to $750 for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18, competing in a state, national or international competition, to help level the playing field for children in rural and regional areas. 

In Condobolin, Alese Keen's son, Nate Vincent, received a grant to compete in the NSW CHS Athletics Championships 2024. She says the grant is instrumental in reducing the gap between regional and metropolitan access to sport.  

"It definitely helps us. Children out in the bush travel six hours one way and you can be there for up to 4 days.  

"Children in the city get lots of opportunities, it's a lot harder for kids in the bush."  

Nate Vincent Competing in the CHS Athletics Championship's high jump. Image supplied.

Rowena Macrae from Coonamble received a grant for her son George to make the trip to East Wagga to compete in the NSW Primary School Sport Association's Primary Rugby Championship.  

George was very keen to compete, and although he was nervous at first, training with his team made him feel better and gave him confidence to believe in his own abilities.  

With six children still in school, Rowena expressed her family's gratitude for the program. 

"Times are tough and you really have to be picky where you spend your money - receiving this grant meant that worry was really minimal.  

"The money towards fuel and accommodation to attend the championships in Wagga was really beneficial and allowed us to give George such a fantastic experience."  

George training for the PSSA Primary Rugby Championship. Image supplied.

Federal member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently celebrated with some of the 19 young athletes from across his electorate who were assisted under the program. 

“From athletics, rugby union, softball, futsal and soccer to motorcycling, motor sport, cross country and bowls, these talented young athletes each competed at the state, national and even international level, which is a fantastic achievement. 

“We have a great deal of sporting talent here in the Parkes electorate, however many of our young sportspeople who compete at a representative level have to travel large distances to participate which can be very costly. 

“This program greatly assists families to ensure their children can continue competing in the sport they love without worrying about the financial burden.” 

For more information about future rounds, visit this page.