Keith Pitt congratulates Local Sporting Champions

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has congratulated Bundaberg para-athlete Nathan Donaldson who has been named a Local Sporting Champion by the Australian Sports Commission.

Fourteen-year-old Nathan is one of 14 Local Sporting Champions from across the Hinkler electorate, who have each been awarded a $500 grant under Round Three of the program.

“These Local Sporting Champions grants help cover some of the costs associated with travelling to and from state, national and international sporting competitions for sports men and women aged between 12 and 18,” Mr Pitt said.

“Sport is not only essential to the health and fitness of our young people; it helps build self-confidence and teaches them the importance of team work. That’s why we’re helping to make it easier for young people to participate in sport.”

Paul Donaldson said funding grants such as the Local Sporting Champion program helped recoup the costs involved in getting his son to events around the country and overseas.

“We are going to the events regardless, but if you get something back to help cover the costs it’s an added bonus,” Mr Donaldson said.

Nathan’s next major goal is to compete in the Junior World Titles in Switzerland next year.

He has also been selected by Athletics Australia to join an elite development squad, which will help him transition into senior athletics.

“Nathan is the only junior wheelchair racer in Queensland, so it’s great to see him getting this opportunity to progress,” Mr Donaldson said.

Mr Pitt encourages all young Hinkler sportspeople to apply for the next round of the Local Sporting Champion program which closes on June 30.

For more information: www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS

Mariah Robinson                    McDonalds State Athletics Championship

Gamon Hall                             State Boys U19 Softball Titles

Amy Easton                             2016 World Outrigging Sprint Titles

Zion Woetai                            Junior Rugby Union Gold Cup

Lachlan Smith                         U14 Cricket Intra State Championships

Thomas Kidd                           QLD School U19 Cricket State Championships

Taleah Delfs                            IFMA World Championships

Joshua Mason                         2016 Futsal National Championships

Johnathon Barrett                   Pacific School Games

Mitchell Beacham                  Australian U15 Regional Softball Championships

Briahna Connolly                    Pacific School Games

Christian Devon                      Australian All Schools Athletics Championships

Nathan Donaldson                  Australian Junior Athletics Championships

James Stromquist                    FFA National Futsal Championships