By SAMUEL DARROCH
SIX Latrobe Valley sporting clubs were the beneficiaries of a $13,500 State Government cash splash last Wednesday when Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty visited the region.
Traralgon Tennis Club received the largest sum from the minister’s chequebook, with a $5000 boost to its International Tennis Federation Junior International, which will celebrate its 21st anniversary in January.
TTC president Neville Pattle said the Significant Sporting Events Program grant would go toward infrastructure, support and resources for the tournament.”
Any money these days is hard to come by and $5000 is a significant help out to the running of this tournament,” Pattle said.
“We’ve got to run buses, supply meals and various player packs etc so that will certainly help us.”
He said the club was already planning for next year’s tournament, and had grand designs for the anniversary.
“We’d like to do something extra special, given it is our 21st event,” Pattle said.
A favourite visitor of the club, Delahunty said he wanted to support country Victoria as part of a push to get “more people, more active, more often”.
“This is one small way in trying to assist with the running of these events… we were able to support them with the refurbishing of the courts and… it’s a fantastic facility for tennis,” Delahunty said.
“Everyone does a great job in putting on what is a major sporting event in country Victoria.”
Along with State Member for Morwell Russell Northe, Delahunty also visited Traralgon Basketball Stadium to dole out $8500 to five other clubs under the 2013 Country Action Grant Scheme and Victalent grants.
Latrobe City Energy, Gippsland Athletics Club, Traralgon Harriers, Traralgon Table Tennis Association and Yallourn Golf Club shared in the funding allocations.
Traralgon Tennis Club: $5000 for the ITF junior International.
Gippsland Athletics Club: $1180 to train and upskill coaches and officials.
Traralgon Harriers: Two $500 Victalent grants to assist with travel costs.
Traralgon Table Tennis Association: Two $500 Victalent grants to assist with travel costs.
Yallourn Golf Club: $500 Victalent grant to assist with travel costs.
