The 2022 grants program will provide a kick start for many of your young Australians aspiring to qualify for the 2032 Paralympic games in Brisbane. Many of the applicants could join our growing honour roll of grantees who have joined the Australian para sport elite.
Katie Kelly OAM founded SAF in 2017 after becoming the first-ever Paratriathlon Gold Medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Through her experience of being hearing and sight-impaired, Katie saw the need to provide assistance to young Australians living with a disability keen to participate in sport.
"Australians love sport, which is at the heart of our culture and identity. But not everyone enjoys the same access to playing and participating. This is what Sport Access Foundation is set up to achieve."
"Our message is that if you're a young Australian with a disability, SAF is here to help you get started or move to the next level of your sporting goals."
As well as improving overall inclusion in sport, Ms Kelly said SAF grants are increasingly helping Australian para-sport champions on their road to success.
"This year several former SAF grantees are at the cusp of being selected for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Last year, we were so proud that three of our grantees - Col Pearse, Kiera Stephens and Jamison Leeson - all participated in for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
"It's gratifying to know that SAF provided these fantastic, dedicated athletes the practical support they needed.”
"We know that achieving para sport success is a long journey. This year's grants may well help propel the next generation of Aussie para-athletes to take on the world's best at events like the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics."
"Every dollar we raise from corporate and community donations goes directly to the grant recipients to help with the cost of their sport, including modified equipment, carer costs, transport and fees. The more financial support we get, the more young Australians we can help”.
"I particularly want to thank the teams at BlueScope and Tribal (DDB Group) for their continuing support of Sport Access Foundation. These organisations continue to support our mission, which is enormously appreciated."
The grants cover the cost of new and upgraded equipment, international competition, additional coaching support and travel (particularly where travel with equipment or a carer/guide is required). Applicants need to provide a written endorsement from their State or National federation.
"We are thrilled to continue supporting aspiring Paralympians through the Compeat Pathway to Paralympics Grant. The grants will help athletes who have achieved state or national sports representation. And their next step is to qualify for the next Paralympic or international competition." - Alicia Edge, Co-Founder / Co CEO, Compeat Performance
The funding can be used for new and upgraded equipment such as marquees, lights, accessible club rooms and restrooms, accessible technology for club digital equipment, cost to implement programs specifically for children with a disability and/or to educate club officials/coaches/volunteers on working with children with a disability.
"BlueScope is delighted to continue our support of Sport Access Foundation. Sporting clubs are at the heart of our Australian communities. This grant is about improving inclusion and strengthening the participation of young people with a disability in their local sporting clubs." - Mark Vassella, Managing Director and CEO, BlueScope.
"We know young people with a disability face additional barriers to sports participation compared with people without a disability. The No Barriers grant is to help overcome some initial obstacles and give everyone the chance to get on the field, try different sports, and lead an active, healthy life." - Morgan Lander, Director, Sport Access Foundation
"Children with a disability sometimes need extra support to stay involved and participate in their chosen sport. The Kick Start grant is to help with some of those additional costs and support ongoing participation and engagement." - Grantley Creighton, Director, Sport Access Foundation
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.
