The latest round of the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is now open, supporting young regional sports stars to travel and attend sporting events and training opportunities across WA and nation-wide.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP said the program was helping to take the burden off regional athletes and their families and allowed them to concentrate on their sport.

“Talented athletes aged 13 to 21 are being supported in their quest to be the best when attending regional, state and national level training and events, thanks to the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions,” Mr Brown said.

“Grants are available from $150 up to $1,000 depending on the level of event and the distance required for travel, and the funding can be used to help support any out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.”

Since the program started, 887 regional athletes have benefited from $624,106 in funding assistance from the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions.

Mr Brown said the initiative was supporting the next generation of WA’s sports stars.

“Regional WA is home for many of Australia’s sporting greats, including Brownlow medalist Nat Fyfe and former Hockeyroos captain and Olympic champion Rechelle Hawkes.

“It’s important for Royalties for Regions to support this investment into our young athletes to help them reach their full potential on the field, in the pool, on horseback, in the surf or wherever their chosen sport takes them.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mia Davies MLA, said a total of $1.75 million from Royalties for Regions was earmarked to support the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme over four years.

“Promising young Western Australian athletes face unique challenges, with the distances they have to travel to compete and increase their skills and abilities being significantly larger than other states,” Ms Davies said.

Application for the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme close on May 13. For more information and application guidelines visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding