The recent rain hasn’t dampened the spirits of 15 year old inline (roller) hockey player Alyona Khvostenko. The Wentworthville local has been recognised as a Cumberland Ambassador for sporting excellence, having donned the green and gold at the World Inline Hockey Tournament in Italy this year.
The Ambassador Program celebrates the achievements of local residents in the fields of sport, community service, academia and cultural activities.
Ambassadors receive a $1,000 grant to support their endeavours and in turn volunteer at Council’s civic and community events, while acting as role models and spokespeople for their community.
Mayor Greg Cummings congratulated Ms. Khvostenko on her achievements and wished her will as she prepared to compete at the World Roller Games in Barcelona in 2019.
“Cumberland is a place where everyone is welcome, where anyone can belong and where everyone is encouraged to succeed,” Mayor Cummings said.
“The Ambassador Program shines a spotlight on some of our ‘local heroes’. The fact that successful applicants tend to be athletes shows the importance of sport to our community.
“The Ambassador Program is win-win. We get to support those residents with a history of success and Council gets volunteers that represent the best of our community.
“Ultimately the Program is about people. Ask anyone who has lived in Cumberland for a while and they will tell you the best thing about living here is the people.
“The Ambassador Program is a way for us to introduce just some of our amazing residents to the wider community and the world.”
Applications for round two of the Community Grants Program, which includes the grant for individual ambassadors, closes on Wednesday 31 October 2018 at 4:00pm.
Interview with Cumberland Ambassadors are available on request.
