Local sports teams needing assistance with travel costs need to get their applications for the SPARC Rural Travel Fund into the Queenstown Lakes District Council this week.

Council Special Projects Manager Lee Harris said the district has received $7000 to distribute this year, an increase on the $5000 on offer for the past few years.

"So far I think we've received just one completed application.  It would be a shame for rural sports people to miss out on this useful funding to attend local sporting competitions - it can be of great assistance to families having to fork out to fill their cars with petrol every week," Ms Harris said.

Applications are invited from rural sports clubs and school teams with young people aged between five and 19 years who require subsidies to assist with transport expenses to local sporting competitions.

The SPARC Rural Travel Fund was developed in response to concerns raised by territorial authorities about the lack of participation in sport by young people living in rural communities.

A committee, including representatives from around the district, will decide on the applications which are due in this Friday, 28 October.  Applicants will be notified of the decision by Wednesday, November 23.

Criteria and application forms are available on the QLDC website www.qldc.govt.nz.

For more information, contact Lee Harris at the council, 03 441 0469 or leeh@qldc.govt.nz.

ENDS

By: Tamah