Queensland representatives at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi have received a State Government bonus grant.

Each of the State’s 73 representatives benefit by $5,400 to help with training and other expenses.

Olivia Noakes reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Today’s presentation from Sports Minister Phil Reeves was accompanied by a special request help promote the Gold Coast as the possible venue for the 2018 Games.

The youngest squad member, 14 year old pocket rocket Yolane Kukla blitzed her personal best time during Games qualifying becoming the fifth fastest Australian female free-styler in history.

A former gymnast Kukla nicknamed Yo Yo by her St Joseph’s school friends, looks towards the senior swimmers for guidance.

Yolane Kukla, Swimmer: “It’s good ’cause I can actually learn from everyone else that’s all older than me and has all that experience so it’s good. I’ve just been watching them, what they do and how they approach things I’ve been learning a lot.”

With the Delhi games only 19 days away the bonus grants from the Queensland Government will help the athletes put the final touches to preparations before the big event.”

Fellow senior swimming compatriot and Olympic gold medallist Jessicah Schipper is grateful for the grant.

Jessicah Schipper, Swimmer: “It’s absolutely fantastic you know it goes a long way in helping with training fees and everything and helping with preparations for everything so it’s fantastic that the Queensland Academy of Sport are able to help us with this.”

The wait is on to see how our sports stars succeed in Delhi and if Australia’s push for the 2018 games to be held on the Gold Coast will become reality.

Olivia Noakes, QUT News.