ANOTHER round of youth sports stars have received funding through the Coleman Smith Youth Sports Advancement Foundation.

The presentation of the funding was made at the Stuarts Point Workers Recreation and Bowls Club on Friday, 1 November.

The Foundation is a subcommittee of the Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO), and provides one-off payments to local kids excelling in their chosen sports.

Funding is available for youth athletes in Stuarts Point, Grassy Head, Fishermans Reach, Yarrahapinni, Eungai Creek and Eungai Rail.

The Foundation was set up in recognition of two local community icons.

Greg Coleman was a well-known sportsperson and coach, while Adrienne Smith was a leading sport administrator who played a significant role in the establishment of the Australian Paralympic Federation in 1990.

Donations from individuals and organisations like SPaDCO have made the Foundation possible.

Applications are called for twice a year and are assessed by members of the Foundation’s Board.

Adrienne’s daughter Nicky currently serves as Chairperson.

Since its inception funding has been awarded to a range of locals, including Jessica Donovan (Gymnastics), Quinn Cooper (Cricket), Wolfe Hudson (Soccer), Angus McFarlane (AFL), Zaylia Page (Cricket), and Kash Taylor (Soccer).

At the most recent funding announcement, Jessica Donovan again received the Foundation’s support, as did siblings Avalon and Sandon Vowles (Surfing).

Jessica has previously enjoyed success with the Far North Coast Gymnastics team at the state level, coming away with second and third place finishes at NSW championships.

She also plays for the local Kinkii Netball Club, and represents the NSW Echidnas under 12 Indigenous School Girls team.

This year the Echidnas came third in the National Indigenous Schoolgirl Championships, at which Jessica was named the team’s most improved player.

Jessica was then selected for the Australian Indigenous 12yo Netball team and in December, with the funding support, will participate in the International Netball Festival in Fiji.

Away from the court and onto the beaches, Avalon Vowels took out the U16 division at the NSW Junior Regional titles in May.

She also took out third place in the U16 division at Merewether Beach’s iconic Surfest competition, and placed second in the three-day Youth Slash n Bash junior event at Lake Macquarie.

Avalon has been selected as part of the NSW state surfing team and will compete in the Australian junior surfing titles at the end of this month.

Avalon’s younger brother, Sandon Vowels came second in the U14 division NSW Junior Regional Titles.

He also took second place finishes in his division at both Surfest and the Ride the Wave competition in Port Macquarie.

Like his sister, Sandon has also been selected in the NSW State Team for the Australian junior surfing titles.

The funding will assist in covering the cost of Avalon and Sandon’s attendance at recent junior high performance camps.

Foundation Chairperson Nicky Smith urges talented junior sportspeople to apply for support.

“If you are a parent or carer or know of any kids from the Eungai, Yarrahapinni, Stuarts Point and Grassy Head area who are excelling at their sport, please encourage them to apply for the next round.”

To apply, contact Nicky by email at smith.goldrick@gmail.com.

By Jen HETHERINGTON