Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club has received state government funding to help its athletes compete in the Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) championships.
IRB athlete Orlagh Davison said the more than $2000 grant would allow 20 to 25 club athletes to attend New South Wales’ Kingscliff in July to participate in the championships.
“Having the grant allows more of us to get there because it cuts the cost for all of us,” she said.
“We’re hoping to use the grant towards our carnival fees because we’ve got such a big team.
“The money will help pay for us to be able to compete as we’re quite young and a lot of us are still studying, so it was going to go towards entry fees and the carnival levy.
“It might also go towards some sort of accommodation, but we’re pretty lucky in the fact that we can have the accommodation at a smaller price due to being such a big team.”
Ms Davison said the championships were a good opportunity for the “team to be together” and see how everyone’s skills had progressed.
“That’s when we all suddenly shock ourselves and the best of the best of us come out,” she said.
“We impress ourselves by making it through rounds, making it to the finals and sometimes some of us even have the opportunity to win medals.”
Ms Davison said the grant made the IRB team feel “appreciated” and was thankful for the chance to show off their skills.
“It helps us stay within the surf club and refines our skills for when we do need to do actual rescues, as this is why we do the sport,” she said.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said he was proud to provide local sporting groups with the opportunity to showcase their skills through government funding.
“Our up-and-coming athletes and future champions are putting in the hard work,” he said.
“That’s why we are helping them realise their sporting dreams by removing barriers associated with travel and accommodation costs.”
