Two promising young Moree athletes have been given a financial boost to help them succeed in their chosen sport.
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Talented junior golfer Annabelle Abrahamsen and Australian powerlifting title-holder Raymond Heaton have received sponsorship from Moree Services Club to pursue their sports.
The sponsorship of junior and senior individuals is a new initiative that the club has introduced this year.
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"We do support a hell of a lot of sporting organisations throughout the town," Moree Services Club secretary manager Rob Shields said.
"But we thought we would like to support individuals as well. So the board has introduced this program to give consideration to under 18s and over 18s that are endeavouring to succeed in their chosen sport.
"There are funds available to issue to those worthy of recognition. This will go to people that look like they're really going to take their sport by the fists and put themselves on the map with it."
Shields said Abrahamsen and Heaton have both been recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Fifteen-year-old Annabelle has been making a name for herself on the golf course for a number of years, and has travelled all over the country and overseas competing in tournaments.
She started her 2020 season last month at the Wagga Wagga Country Club, where she competed in the first of a number of Jack Newton Junior Golf Masters events.
Annabelle played solid golf over the two-day tournament, finishing fifth in the 15 years and under division.
She said she was content with her performance and is now looking forward to applying the lessons learnt at the next event at Bathurst in March.
"I felt like I was in a strong position starting the final round as 15 years and under overnight leader, and third overall in tournament," she said.
"I played solid golf and was second with two holes remaining. I took an aggressive approach to try and bridge the gap to the leader. A couple of bold putts cost me, but overall I was happy to be a contender in my first hit-out for the year."
Annabelle has a big few months coming up - she'll be competing at the Jack Newton Junior Golf Masters event in Ballina in April and Port Macquarie in May, following the Bathurst tournament this month.
She is extremely appreciate of the generous support from Moree Services Club and said it will enable her to compete at more high-profile events, regardless of geographical location. She is looking forward to representing Moree and the Moree Services Club at future events throughout 2020.
Heaton meanwhile has the opportunity to compete at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Russia this year, after winning the 93kg junior division at the 2019 Australian Classic Powerlifting Championships in November.
Although he doesn't think he'll make the world championships this year, as he doesn't feel quite ready to compete at an international level, he said he will instead be using his sponsorship to compete at other tournaments, with the hopes of qualifying for nationals again in October.
"It will help me get to future competitions," he said.
"I'll use it for flights and accommodation, and to pay for coaching and equipment as well."
Heaton said he is very appreciative of the Moree Services Club for supporting him.
"It means a lot, and it'll help significantly," he said.
"Thanks to the club; it's really great."
Moree Services Club has allocated up to $5000 for juniors and up to $5000 to sponsor senior individuals each year.
If any other individual sportspeople believe they are worthy of sponsorship, they are welcome to submit an application to the board.