Above: Denali is presented with his certificate by the Federal MP, Craig Kelly

Two Newington boys, Denali Blunden (7/JN) and Keanu Blunden have been awarded as the Local Sporting Champions for the Federal Electorate of Hughes. Keanu was a Year 8 student at Newington last year and has only recently moved to Seoul, South Korea to further his training in short track speed skating. His goal is to represent Australia in the World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championship to be held in Turkey in early March next year.

There were hundreds of applicants for the Local Sporting Champion program and only 10 individuals from each Federal Electorate are awarded each year after a lengthy application and interview process. The boys were awarded as Local Sporting Champions in recognition of their successes and dedication in the sport of short track speed skating, a fantastic achievement for both boys.