The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) has recently revealed the names of the exceptional athletes who have been awarded a Tier 1 Scholarship as part of their 2024 Scholarship & Mentoring Program. This latest roster features a lineup of distinguished individuals including four Olympic gold medalists, a prominent figure in the world of surfing, and one of Australia’s most celebrated Australian Rules footballers. This diverse group of accomplished sports personalities will serve as mentors, guiding the upcoming generation of sporting talents.
The scholarship initiative operates on a three-tiered structure and enjoys the backing of the Australian Sports Commission, incorporating the Australian Institute of Sport. A total of 32 athletes are chosen annually to receive a combined funding of $150,000, aiming to support their journey towards achieving excellence and international success.
The Tier 1 Scholarship awardees, numbering six in total, have been paired with mentors who hold esteemed positions within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. These mentors, who have earned their spots due to their remarkable contributions to and achievements in their respective sports, are set to offer invaluable guidance to the emerging talents.
The impressive lineup of 2024 mentors comprises Dawn Fraser AC MBE, an iconic figure in swimming with eight Olympic medals to her name; Chris Judd, a decorated AFL footballer with multiple accolades including two Brownlow Medals; Rechelle Hawkes AM, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and former captain of the Hockeyroos; Layne Beachley AO, a surfing legend boasting seven world titles; pole vault champion Steve Hooker OAM, an athlete with a rare collection of Olympic, World Championship, and other prestigious titles; and Drew Ginn OAM, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and renowned member of the “Oarsome Foursome.”
The Tier 1 scholarship recipients, including athletes from various disciplines, will benefit from a $10,000 grant dedicated to supporting their training and competitive endeavors. Furthermore, they will receive personalized mentorship from these eminent figures, enhancing their potential to excel in their chosen sports.
Among the notable Tier 1 scholarship recipients are Torrie Lewis (athletics – sprinting), Jackson Harvey (mogul skiing), William Petric (swimming), Amy Lawton (hockey), Jacqueline Swick (rowing), and Mark Crosbee (canoe slalom).
As the SAHOF Scholarship & Mentoring Program moves forward, there are plans to announce an additional 26 athletes who will receive Tier 2 and 3 scholarships in the upcoming weeks. The Tier 2 scholarships, which cater to 10 athletes, provide a $5,000 grant for sporting expenses, while Tier 3 scholarships extend a $2,500 grant to 16 athletes. Regardless of the tier, all recipients are set to benefit from the encouragement and support offered by SAHOF.
John Bertrand AO, Chair of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and a highly respected figure in Australian sport, emphasized the transformative nature of the Scholarship and Mentoring Program. Bertrand expressed gratitude to the mentors and highlighted the program’s role in fostering athlete development, as well as its ability to impart valuable insights from seasoned champions to emerging talents.
The SAHOF Scholarship & Mentoring Program receives critical support from the Australian Sports Commission, and its Chair, Josephine Sukkar AM, applauded the program’s impact on young athletes across various sports. Sukkar acknowledged the value of financial assistance in helping athletes achieve their dreams and become representatives of Australia on the international stage.
Having commenced in 2006, the Scholarship & Mentoring Program by SAHOF has positively impacted 204 athletes spanning 53 sports. The program’s longevity is evidenced by the enduring mentor-mentee relationships, fostering connections between sporting greats and emerging talents that extend beyond the program’s duration.
Read the full article here.
Photo Courtesy Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Courtesy Sport Australia Hall of Fame