January 10, 2017
Jack Green has already competed at the Australian Eight Ball National Championships twice – and this summer he’ll be making his third appearance.
So while his friends at Maffra Secondary College will be enjoying the school holidays, Jack, 13, will next week represent Victoria at the championships in Darwin.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Jack would receive a grant from the Federal Government help to meet the cost of attending the event.
“Jack is one of 11 talented young sportspeople from my electorate to receive a $500 grant from the latest round of the Local Sporting Champions program,” Mr Chester said.
“There are so many young sportspeople in our region excelling in a range of different sports. I’m constantly amazed at the ability and achievements of our rising sports stars.”
To qualify for the nationals, Jack won the Victorian junior state titles to become the Victorian under 15 champion.
“Competing at the nationals in Darwin gives me a chance to play for Victoria. I’m hoping to gain new knowledge and skills, which will help me to go further with eight ball,” Jack said.
Jack has grown up around eight ball and began playing at home with his family. His playing career took off when he was spotted on the training tables at the Gippy Cup tournament in Sale by Traralgon’s Steve Gray, the Masters Eight Ball World Singles Champion.
“I would like to make the Australian team to compete at the Junior World Titles. Australia’s top six players competing in the under 18s section will be selected for the team, but I can’t qualify for the team until I am 15,” Jack said.
“I’ve been playing in the Wellington Eight Ball Association and the Maffra and District Eight Ball Association competitions. It’s given me lots of game experience and the chance to play against great players in the Latrobe Valley Association, which will help me in the future.”
Mr Chester said competing at state, national and international level required enormous dedication by young athletes and support from their families.
“The Local Sporting Champions program is designed to support young athletes to reach their potential by easing the financial pressure of taking part in high-level competition,” he said.
The Local Sporting Champions program provides $500 grants to sportspeople aged between 12 and 18 years. It can go towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation-endorsed state, national or international sporting championship. School Sport Australia state or national championships are also eligible.
To apply for a grant, applicants must live more than 125km from the championship venue and travel more than 250km return to participate in the nominated event.
Round three of the Local Sporting Champions program is now open and will accept applications until February 28, 2017. For more information on the Local Sporting Champions program, visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions.
Caption: Maffra’s Jack Green gives Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester useful tips to improve his eight ball skills.
