Funding brings new academy to school
FIFTEEN schools across the Toowoomba region have received funding as part of the Federal Government’s Local Schools Community Fund.
Toowoomba State High School will receive $10,000 to go towards its new Mountain Biking Academy.
The school will use the funding to buy 10 new bikes.
Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh said it was a great example of how the funding could be used to provide more opportunities to local kids, and encourage participation.
“I’m advised the Toowoomba State High School mountain bike program has broad appeal ensuring integration across the wider school community,” Mr McVeigh said.
“This program also aligns with Toowoomba Regional Council’s desire to promote more mountain bike trails along escarpment, including potentially on Defence Housing land at Mount Lofty.”
Toowoomba State High School Principal Tony Kennedy said the program would be an asset to the school.
“It’s a good thing to be able to introduce the Mountain Biking Academy for our students,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Certainly for those who have already been competing in competitions and staff who have been working hard behind it.
“We’re also looking at expanding it to introduce the program to some of our refugee students.”
Mr Kennedy said mountain biking was a sport everyone could get involved in.
“There are a lot of mountain bike trails in and around the Toowoomba area,” he said.
“It’s developing fitness and teamwork and engaging our community.”
Mr Kennedy said the academy would be run alongside the Australian Schools Mountain Biking Competition in conjunction with Mountain Biking Australia.
Toowoomba State High School already has one mountain biking champion who is keen to see the program kick off.
Year 10 student George Kirwan is coming second in the Schools National Mountain Biking Championship.
Mr Kirwan said he was excited about the funding to get a new bike and to get some other kids involved.
“It’s going to be great, it’s going to help us a lot,” he said.
He said it would be “awesome” to have a mountain biking program at the school.
“I’m hoping to do it as a career if I possibly can,” he said.