Tony Pasin presents sporting champions grants in Murray Bridge

Thanks to the federal government’s Local Sporting Champions Program, several local sporting champions are now closer to realising their sporting dreams.

Tony Pasin MP recently met three of the successful grant applicants – D’Artagnan, Helayna and Roxanna – in Murray Bridge and presented them with certificates.

The program awarded 13 students from the Murraylands and the Barossa regions with grants.

The grants winners from Murray Bridge were footballer Helayna White, basketballer Roxanna Tyler and Seth Puddy, who practises karate.

Mr Pasin said that the awards gave successful applicants a minimum of $500 to put towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.

“The program is a rolling application process, and I encourage all sporting groups and individuals that meet the eligibility criteria to apply,” he said.

• More information: www.ausport.gov.au.

Tony Pasin awards Murray Bridge students the 2022 Barker Shield

Meanwhile, Mr Pasin has also given local students the 2022 Barker Shield as part of their schools’ end-of-year celebrations.

The Barker Shield is an annual award given to three students in each participating school across the federal electorate of Barker.

The award recognises student excellence in academic achievement; community service and spirit; and a category determined by the school.

Unity College award winners were:

• Academic Achievement Award: Jiamin (Gaga) Lu
• Community Service and Spirit Award: Lucy Mason
• Student Leadership: Erik Lee-Robbins.

Murray Bridge High School winners were:

• Academic Achievement Award: Riley Lienert
• Community Service and Spirit Award: Caitlin Schubert
• Leadership: Sakinah Karras

Mr Pasin said that all the students chosen were undisputed future leaders.

“No matter what they go on to achieve or where, I want them to feel valued and recognised for the leadership shown during their time at school and as part of the wider Barker community,” he said.

Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories – subscribe today.