Among the recipients of a Local Sporting Champions Grant were energetic runner, Ella Penman and determined cyclist Dylan Eather.

Both have been immensely successful in their respective sporting careers, with Ella most recently finishing eighth in the 800 and 1500 metre events at the Athletics Australia Junior Track and Field Championships earlier this month.

To 12-year-old Ella running is euphoric, and her favourite thing about competing is when she gets to be with her friends.

"Sometimes it's easy and sometimes when someone is pushing you to go further it can get really hard. My legs and arms get sore," Ella said.

But the small vivacious spirit pushes herself through, her love and passion for running enabling her to overcome those tougher times.

Dylan, who captained NSW at the recent U17 Track Cycling Championships in Brisbane, often travels for his sport and consistently brings home medals including four silvers and one gold in his most recent haul.

The Australian team sprint champion enjoys being an inspiration for younger aspiring cyclists, and is supported in his travels with his proud mother Janette.

"It makes me happy to see my children happy," Janette said.

"We're constantly being privileged with the opportunity to meet new friends when we travel."

But with older son Kurt also competing and the multiple trips between them to state, national and international competitions, the expenses of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment can become significant.

Opportunities to compete at state, nationals and international championships often required rural based athletes to travel to metropolitan areas, and according to federal Sport Minister Bridget McKenzie, a disproportionate number of athletes come from rural areas.

"These grants are so important to the Australian sporting industry as they provide rural athletes with financial assistance that allows them to be able to travel to metro areas to compete and ultimately continue to pursue their dreams," McKenzie said.

Parkes MP Mark Coulton congratulated Ella, Dylan and their fellow grant recipients Caitlin Keen, Harrison Bennett, Amelia Raidaveta, Yaroslava Petrova, Angus Mcdonald, Mitchell Hines, Trent Hines, Abbie Kent, Eliza O'Donnell, Charlotte Eather and Hope Sankey.

"Local Sporting Champion Grants provide an ideal opportunity for young sports people to turn their dreams into a reality by assisting them with the opportunity to receive financial support," Coulton said.

The grants are to alleviate the financial stress some families and young athletes feel when selected for a significant sporting event.