Young sporting stars are being encouraged to apply for special grants to help their performance.
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Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie presented champion equestrian, Tamika Roach with a Local Sporting Champion Grant to help her excel.
The grant is worth $500 and Tamika, who will represent Equestrian Australia in the NSW Youth Dressage Champions, was delighted and very grateful.
“These Championships are the stepping stone to the Nationals and bigger competitions,” said the 14-year-old from Pembrooke.
“This past year has been spent consolidating and qualifying for this particular event, as I have stepped up to a higher level of difficulty and stronger competition.
“This horse, Winter’s Challenge is a tricky horse to ride.
“He has been exceptionally challenging, yet very rewarding, so just qualifying has been a journey in itself.
“The competition itself gives me the opportunity to compete with the State’s best riders which will give me a benchmark of what and where I need to be,” said Tamika, who rides six days a week.
Tamika’s mother and stepfather try to fund her as best they can, but they find things very difficult financially, as the sport itself is very expensive. Costs include very high entry fees, stabling, accommodation, and the costs associated with being away from home.
Dr Gillespie says there are 35 grants being awarded across the electorate as part of the Local Sporting Champion Grants Round One.
“It’s for young people who get to a representative level, to allay the cost the family put into what they do, and to encourage them to aspire to more,” he said.
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