Kirsten scores Sporting Champion Grant
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss has announced the latest round of successful applicants from the Australian Local Sporting Champions program.
Kirsten Kenney from Cooloola Cove, the only Cooloola Coast recipient, was awarded a grant for her participation in the Queensland Short Course Swimming Championships.
“The Local Sporting Champions program assists young sportsmen, women and teams, to compete in significant competitions, such as state and national championships. Grants of $500 per individual and $3,000 per team are available for people aged between 12 and 18 years to meet the costs of participating in those events, including travel, equipment, uniforms, and accommodation.”
Kirsten and her family were excited to hear their bid was successful, “We submitted the application in August last year and have been waiting since then. My reaction was summed up when I heard mum’s ecstatic voice answering a phone call so I had a feeling I won the grant.”
“At the moment I train nine pool sessions a week and three gym/dry-land sessions. I get sets sent to me via gmail from a coach in Brisbane and then do them by myself.”
Kirsten competed at the QLD Short Course Championships last August; the 2013 Queensland Long Course Championships and will now be competing at the QLD State Sprints in February in all four strokes, age and open events.
“The money will be used to buy new racing swimmers; my current ones are deteriorating rapidly to say the least. The money will also be put forth to new training togs and nomination fees for upcoming State Sprint Championships.”
She aims to juggle school work and training commitments, but also to qualify for Age Nationals in Sydney this year.”The plans are basically to go wherever the sport takes me, appreciate the good moments, and accept the challenges.”
No doubt the funding will help Kirsten achieve her goals.
Kirsten found out about the grant through her swimming club. Applications for grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either through the Australian Sports Commission by visiting the website www.ausport.gov.au/champions or by contacting Mr Truss’ office on 1300 301 968.
