Financial support available for potential Hunter Olympians

Date: 06/09/2007

Potential Hunter Olympians have an opportunity to secure some much needed financial assistance with the Greater Building Society Sports Scholarships now open.

Ten Greater Building Society Sport Scholarships, each worth $1,000, are awarded annually to athletes who show tremendous potential in their chosen Olympic sport.

The scholarships have been running for 15 years and are managed for the Greater by the Hunter Academy of Sport. Scholarship winners also receive advice from Academy consultants in areas such as sports psychology, nutrition, physical fitness, injury prevention and injury treatment.

Assistant general manager Don Magin says with the Beijing Olympics less than 340 days away financial support and advice for local athletes was crucial. (Beijing Opening Ceremony is on August 8, 2008). He says the scholarships are also open to rising sports stars aiming for the 2012 London Olympics.

“The Greater Building Society sports scholarships are our way of helping the Hunter's athletes to perform at their best, at the world's premier sporting event,” Mr Magin says.

Last year's new recipients included 24 year-old member of the world champion Australian women's basketball team Jennifer Screen, 17 year-old trampolinist and diver, Ty Swadling, and 21 year-old rower Hugh McLeod.

Maitland brother and sister triathletes Brendan and Melanie Sexton were both awarded scholarships as was the current national Under 13 national champion in Gymnastics and in Diving, Jack Rickards.

There are currently 28 summer Olympic sports, with seven having multiple disciplines, and seven winter Olympic sports.

Application forms are available from Hunter Academy of Sport on 4926 4892 or from any branch of the Greater Building Society or you can dowload a form from the website. Applications close Friday 28 September 2007.

Last year's winners

  • Angie Bainbridge - 16 years - Swimming (MEREWETHER)
  • Karyne Di Marco - 28 years - Track and Field - Hammer Throw (SYDNEY)
  • Hugh McLeod - 21 years - Rowing (HAMILTON)
  • Nathan Outteridge - 20 years - Sailing (WANGI WANGI)
  • Jack Rickards - 13 years - Gymnastics and Diving (CARDIFF)
  • Ryan Rowland Smith - 23 years- Baseball (NEWCASTLE)
  • Jennifer Screen- 24 years- Basketball (HAMILTON SOUTH)
  • Brendon Sexton - 21 years - Triathlon (LOUTH PARK)
  • Melanie Sexton - 18 years - Triathlon (LOUTH PARK)
  • Ty Swadling - 17 years - Trampoline Sports and Diving (CHARLESTOWN)