Local sports stars still have time to submit their applications for the 2012 Wayne Richards Sporting Talent grant.
The $2500 grant is designed to provide substantial financial assistance to a Hastings-based athlete and, with applications closing at the end of January, locally based athletes striving to realise their sporting dreams are encouraged to apply.
Port Macquarie bodyboarder Chase O’Leary was awarded the 2011 Sporting Talent grant, using the money to assist with travel costs and competition fees for the Australian Pro Tour events staged throughout the year.
And after a stellar year riding the waves, it was recently announced the 20-year-old succeeded in qualifying for the IBA World Tour, beating more than 500 riders.
The annual grant was first launched in 2004 and established as a tribute to the former Mayor, Wayne Richards, who first began the Mayor’s Sporting Fund and was a passionate supporter of youth and sport in the Hastings.
To apply, athletes must be permanent residents of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, have demonstrated achievement in their chosen sport at a state, national or international level and wish to pursue a sporting career.
Finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony on February 22 where the 2012 recipient will be announced.
Applications for the Wayne Richards Sporting Talent grant will close on January 30. Apply online at www.hastings.nsw.gov.
au/communitygrants
