25 May 2016 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) The Victorian Government is helping country athletes become sporting champions, by assisting with the costs of travel. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced more than $12 000 in grants to country clubs and athletes, so they can compete and participate without the burden of travel costs. Ms Symes said some of Victorias most celebrated sports stars come from country Victoria, where travel to and from competitions or training camps can be difficult and costly. Stars like Peter Siddle and Sharelle McMahon have made it to the top of their game, but it took many hours of long commutes to get there, thats why it is important that we assist country athletes, Ms Symes said. Getting to and from state and national competitions can be a challenge for emerging athletes, thats why weve invested $12 750 in the latest round of the Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program to Northern Victoria athletes and teams, to give our young stars the support they deserve. Grant recipients are: Kyabram Football and Netball Club, Mooroopna Hockey Club, Curtis Hanley for Murray Kraze bowls, North East Roller Derby, Mark and Cherie Blake from North East Pistol Shooters, Murray Valley Bushwalkers, Seymour Football Netball Club, Shepparton Rowing Club, Shepparton Amateur Swimming Club, Wangaratta Croquet Club, Warriors Albury Wodonga Dragon Boat Club and Riley Sutherland and Macey Sutherland from Wodonga Hockey Club. We want to give our clubs and athletes the support they need to compete, Ms Symes said. Our local star athletes have enough to worry about, so were removing some of the financial barriers to allow them to reach the top of their game. This is our small part in helping uncover the next crop of champion Victorian athletes.