Applications for Greater Building Society Sports Scholarships open August 1.

A helping hand for our next Olympians

With just over a week before the Beijing Olympics begin, Hunter Academy of Sport athletes with an eye on the 2012 London Games have an opportunity to gain much needed financial support for their preparations.

Applications for the Greater Building Society's Sports Scholarships open on August 1.

Up to ten athletes who show tremendous potential in their chosen Olympic sport will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to cover some of the expenses they incur during the year as they pursue their sporting passion. 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.

The scholarships have been awarded annually for the past 15 years. During that time more than 65 athletes have been supported in their preparations to represent Australia at the world's premier sporting event.

Seven of Australia's Beijing Olympic and Paralympic teams are current or former Greater Sports Scholarship holders. They are Nathan Outteridge (sailing), Angie Bainbridge (swimming), Jenni Screen (basketball), Natalie Ward (softball), Belinda Wright (softball) and Mathew Helm (diving). Prue Watt will represent Australia in swimming at the 2008 Paralympics and was a multi-medallist at the 2004 Paralympics.

Matthew Helm is competing in his third Olympics at Beijing. Natalie Ward has been to four Olympics. Angie Bainbridge is making her Olympic debut. Jenni Screen won gold at the 2006 World championships and Melbourne Commonwealth Games as a member of the Opals Basketball Team. Other scholarship recipients and Olympic medallists include Hunter swimming sensation Justin Norris, cyclist Olivia Gollan and sprinter Joshua Ross.

Hunter Academy of Sport chief executive Ken Clifford said the scholarships certainly assisted those athletes to get to Beijing.

Mr Clifford said the scholarships were about building the long-term potential of the Hunter's athletes like 14 year old gymnast and diver, and two time scholarship winner, Jack Rickards.

Greater Building Society chairman Ian Nelmes said the scholarships are a small way in which Greater staff and members can help some outstanding members of our community to achieve their dream of being the best that they can be.

“It takes a lot of guts and a lot of hard work to get to the Olympics,” Mr Nelmes said. .

“It also takes a lot of financial sacrifice from athletes and their families,” he said.

The scholarships are managed for the Greater by the Hunter Academy of Sport. Application forms are available from any branch of the Greater Building Society, its website (www.greater.com.au) or by calling the Academy of Sport on 4926 4892.

Applications close September 26. Winners will be announced in November.