Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme provides vital support to WA regional athletes

More than 180 of Western Australia's aspiring regional athletes will be helped to attend training camps and competitions through a State Government program that assists with travel costs.

The Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme assists regional families with young athletes aspiring to compete at the highest levels by offsetting out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.

Young competitors in a range of sports, including surfing, polocrosse, cricket, netball and basketball are among the 184 athletes sharing in more than $97,400 of grant assistance.

The Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is funded by the State Government and has supported thousands of regional families with more than $1 million in grants since its inception.

"The Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is available to aspiring athletes who have progressed into the high performance pathway of their chosen sport,” said Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray.

"Athletes in regional areas of Western Australia face challenges when it comes to attending events, competitions and training camps, with the distance sometimes being too much for the family budget.

"The ATSS provides that little bit of help to even the playing field for country athletes aspiring to compete with the best.

"Many of Australia's top athletes have risen through the ranks of grassroots and junior sport in the regions, and we are proud to support the next generation of champions."

For more information go to  http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/about/regions