The Federal Member for Aston, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, today presented an Australian flag to a local Knox tennis champion who is heading to the United States in August on a sports scholarship.
Alex van de Steenoven, age 19 from Rowville, has been awarded a sports scholarship to study at the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan, USA for the next four years.
Alex will be studying towards a degree in Athletic Training at the university, with an aim of returning to Australia and becoming a PE teacher.
Whilst in the United States, Alex will compete as part of the GVSU Lakers men’s tennis team, which is ranked 30th nationally in the United States. This includes competing in international tennis competitions in Europe.
“I was proud to present the Australian flag to Alex to proudly fly for the country when he competes in the United States,” said Mr Tudge.
Mr Tudge presented Alex with a Local Sporting Champions Award last year to assist Alex represent Victoria in the prestigious Pizzey Cup National Tennis Competition.
“It’s great to see Alex has continued to work hard since representing Victoria last year, to now being awarded a sports scholarship to study and compete at the highest levels in the United States,” said Mr Tudge.
“Good luck to Alex!”