19 May 2016 Waranga News, Melbourne (General News) Young country athletes can receive assistance for travel costs in their quest to excel in their chosen sport. More than $12,000 in grants to country clubs and athletes, so that they can compete and participate without the burden of travel costs was recently announced by the State government. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn 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. She said getting to and from state and national competitions can be a challenge for emerging athletes, and the investment of $12,750 in the latest round of the Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program to Northern Victoria athletes and teams will give young stars the support they deserve. 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.