Some of the Hunter's best hopes to make the Australian Beijing Olympic Games team have today received some much needed financial support for their preparations with today's announcement of the 2007-2008 Greater Building Society Sport Scholarships at South's Leagues Club.
Ten athletes who have shown tremendous potential in their chosen Olympic sport have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. They will also receive advice from Hunter Academy of Sport consultants in areas such as sports psychology, nutrition, physical fitness, injury prevention and injury treatment.
There are three newcomers to last year's list of winners. Katie Ebzery, a 17 year old basketballer from Charlestown and Michael Lancey, a 26 year old sailboarder from Georgetown, have won their first Greater scholarship. Swimmer, Prue Watt, is a previous scholarship winner.
Hunter Academy of Sport chief executive Ken Clifford said there were some real standouts for Beijing including Lancey, who is already ranked number one in Australia, Watt, as well as member of the Australian Opal's basketball team, Jenni Screen.
Nathan Outteridge, the 20 year old sailor from Wangi Wangi, has already been selected for Beijing.
Mr Clifford said not all of the scholarship winners will be bound for Beijing. Some like 13 year old gymnast and diver, Jack Rickards, have an excellent chance for the 2012 London games.
Greater Building Society chairman Ian Nelmes said with the Beijing Olympics just over eight months away it was timely to be recognising and supporting Hunter athletes with Olympic potential.
“The Greater Building Society sports scholarships are our way of helping the Hunter's athletes to be the best that they can be at the world's premier sporting event,” Mr Nelmes said.
The annual scholarships have been running for 15 years and are managed for the Greater by the Hunter Academy of Sport.
There are currently 28 summer Olympic sports, with seven having multiple disciplines.
2007 –2008 GREATER BULIDING SOCIETY SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
Angie Bainbridge – 17 Years – Swimming [MEREWETHER]
Australian representative at World Titles in July 2007, and has been selected to compete at the F.I.N.A. World Cup in March 2008. Has a world ranking in the 200m freestyle and Australian rankings in the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle events.
Katie Rae Ebzery – 17 Years – Basketball [CHARLESTOWN]
Has represented Australia (under 19 age group) at the World Titles (where the team finished in 5th position). Present AIS scholarship holder.
Michael Lancey – 26 Years – Sailing (sail boarding) [GEORGETOWN]
Ranked No.1 in Australia and is representing Australia at the pre-Olympics. Has had successes on the international scene in 2007.
Hugh McLeod – 22 Years – Rowing [HAMILTON]
Selected to represent Australia in the lightweight men's quad scull at the 2007 World Championships where team finished in fourth place. Has been named in the Beijing Olympics shadow squad.
Nathan Outteridge – 20 Years – Sailing [WANGI WANGI]
Sailing in the Olympic 49er class. Finished in third place in the 2007 World Titles qualifying Australia for the 2008 Olympics and sealing his Olympic selection.
Jack Rickards – 13 Years – Gymnastics [CARDIFF]
Has been an Australian Elite Champion and National squad member since 2004. Represented Australia in an International Junior Challenge Event in Berlin, Germany earlier this year.
Jenni Screen – 27 Years – Basketball [HAMILTON SOUTH]
Member of the Australian Opals team which won the World Title in 2006. Has continued to tour with the Opals in 2007.
Brendon Sexton – 22 Years – Triathlon [LOUTH PARK]
Finished second in the Under 23 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany earlier this year. Has competed with consistent success on the international scene in 2007.
Ty Swadling – 19 Years – Trampolining [CHARLESTOWN]
Selected this year in the Australian Team to complete the World Titles in synchronized trampolining and double mini. Has again completed successfully at state and national levels in 2007.
Prue Watt – 20 Years – Swimming [MEREWETHER]
Prue is already a multi-medallist at the Paralympic Games (Athens 2004) and also had success at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. She has continued to do well at the international level following these successes.
