Katie, who herself was training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (as a vision impaired Para-Triathlete) understands all too well the challenges athletes are now facing.
“These are challenging days, with COVID-19 impacting all Australians on many levels. In times like these we need to support each other and particularly keep a check on our physical and mental wellbeing,” Katie said.
“Young Australians living with a disability are often more isolated due to pre existing medical conditions. They will be experiencing many emotions, particularly as opportunities to stay active and play sport have been severely impacted. Additionally, during these times of home schooling, technology and accessibility with communication to their teachers presents even more challenges, and again adds to their feelings of isolation and disconnection."
This year we are grateful that despite these times, Sport Access Foundation (SAF) can continue our grants program.
This year, we are offering grants that are focussed on the mental and health well being of our young Australians.
One of the grants on offer is – BlueScope’s ‘Building Up’ grant. Building Up is about giving our recipients the best possible chance to come out of these social distancing times, in the best possible shape both physically and mentally. These funds can be used to invest in their technology for home schooling, improvements to their communication tools with teachers, as well as services that will support their overall mental and physical well-being.
We also call on corporate Australia, and those organisations who are striving in these times, to help us support our young Australians.
This grant can be used to access services, including tele-health services, programs as well as support they need for their home-schooling including tutoring or technology support.
BlueScope is our founding partner, and this grant demonstrates its continued support. ‘Building Up’ is to assist our young Australians living with a disability invest in their overall educational, physical and mental well-being.
“We are proud to support a grant that is specifically for these times,” said Mark Vassella, BlueScope Managing Director & CEO. “Some of our people have volunteered time to support Sport Access Foundation, and we have seen the difference its grants can make. We are delighted this grant will be used to access services, including tele-health, and other support programs such as tutoring or technology for remote learning. This grant will help ensure our young Aussies keep ‘Building Up’ their mental and physical health during these times.”
PICA continue to support SAF to provide financial support for young Australians living with a disability to access sport. The Kick Start grants grant is to ensure as many young children living with a disability can access the financial support to rejoin their supporting club and/or access their sporting competitions when sport starts to commence towards the end of the year and early next year. The funds can be used to help pay for Club registration fees, carer cost, extra coaching, team uniforms or travel to participate in the sport.
PICA Group’s CEO Wayne Walker said:
“Reading of the successful applicants in the 2019 PICA Sporting Grants program, we know that these grants have a direct impact on ensuring young children and teenagers with disabilities can participate in sport.
In these challenging times, PICA believe it is even more important we help our families with young children with a disability to prepare them to rejoin their sports when social distancing rules are lifted.”
The Pathway to Paralympics grant is for aspiring Paralympians. This grant will help two potential future Paralympians with the additional cost incurred when competing at the highest level. The grants cover costs relating to new and upgraded equipment, to compete in an international competition in their sport, to access additional coaching support and to assist with travel costs (particularly where additional cost to travel with equipment or a carer/guide is required). The applicant will need to provide a written endorsement from their State or National federation.
These grants will help individuals with a disability aged 7-12 years to overcome initial start-up to participating in sport. These funds should be used towards new and upgraded equipment, cost for club and competition fees, cost for travel and accommodation.
Applications will close on Friday 21st August, 2020 and recipients notified by the end of October. Please note previous recipients will not be able to apply for 2020 grants.
To apply click the button below.
Your donation will go towards providing financial assistance and support to enable children with a disability to participate in sporting activities. Every dollar goes direct to the grant recipients to help with the cost of their sport, including modified equipment, carer costs, transport and fees.
