Rising sports stars across Gippsland will be able to apply for financial assistance to help take them to the next level as part of a state government initiative.
Applications are now open for the 2018/19 Athlete Pathway Travel Grant Program which was formed to help aspiring Victorian athletes, teams, coaches and officials.
State associations can apply for grants of up to $6000 for teams or up to $2000 for individuals to travel to compete at national championships or trials.
Community sport and recreation organisations can apply for grants of up to $750 to help with travel and accommodation costs related to competition or training.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing acknowledged that Australian athletes were often forced to fork out large sums of money in order to pursue their sporting dreams.
“Gippsland has scores of champions from all over the region and we’re really keen to see our future champions reach their potential while also encouraging others to embrace an active and healthy,” Ms Shing said.
“The Athlete Pathway Travel Grant Program is designed to provide assistance for athletes from all sports to progress from local competition to the national arena.”
Traralgon athlete Molly Irvine will travel to the Gold Coast in September for the World Triathlon Championships and said the expenses involved with elite level competition were huge.
“You’ve got travel expenses like airfares, accommodation costs, entry fees and uniforms … so to be able to cover travel costs would be a big help” Irvine said.
“Then you’ve also got to pay for memberships for Triathlon Australia and Triathlon Victoria that you have to renew every year and then also pool entry fees, gym memberships, bike servicing … there’s just so much.”
Irvine, who is also a full-time university student and member of running group the Traralgon Harriers, said she spent almost her entire income on following her sporting pursuits.
“It’s quite difficult. That’s why I have three casual jobs at the moment and really have to save a lot and can’t afford to go out for dinner or go shopping,” she said.
She said funding grants would greatly benefit promising athletes and enable them to further their careers.
“It would be amazing really, it would take out all those costs and you can use that money to get yourself there,” she said.
“Then with your own savings you’ve actually worked for … save for a house or car and have a life.”
About $275,000 will be allocated to more than 150 recipients across the state in this round of funding.
Athletes, teams, coaches and officials involved with any sport or active recreation are eligible to apply.
For further information, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants/athlete-pathway-travel-grants-program.
