Aussie Champion to recognise future Champions
Australia's multiple Paralympic and Olympic gold medallist Louise Sauvage today announced details of the Louise Sauvage 'Aspire to be a Champion' Foundation 2007 Sporting Grants program.
Sauvage, who represented Australia at four Paralympic and three Olympic Games winning a total of nine gold and four silver Paralympic medals and two gold and a bronze Olympic medal established her Foundation in 2000 with the inaugural sporting grant being awarded to Brett Ogden an up and coming Quadriplegic Wheelchair Track and Road racer.
Sport has given me so many opportunities and a lifetime of memories. I know just how difficult it is for junior and developing athletes with a disability to find the financial support to be able to compete and perform well in their chosen sport.
The Foundation enables me to give just a little bit back and hopefully contribute in a small way to assisting future Australian Champions.
There is no way I could have achieved the sporting success that I have without the financial and in-kind support of many individuals and organisations
said Sauvage.
The Foundation, which is administered by Wheelchair Sports NSW on behalf of Sauvage, has received support and assistance from a number of corporates, schools, local businesses and individuals along with a financial boost through the 'Creating Golden Dreams for future Australian Champions' Gala Dinner and Testimonial to Sauvage's career which was proudly presented by Qantas.
“It has been so rewarding for me to watch the progress and success of the grant recipients over the past few years. I have even had the opportunity to compete for Australia alongside some of the athletes who are past grant recipients and have gone on to Australian Team selection” Sauvage went on to say.
Nominations are now open for individuals or teams who compete in a sport for athletes with disabilities and can be made by family, fellow athletes or sporting organisations.
Those nominated must have demonstrated the aspirations and attributes to become future champions. Grants being awarded are for the year 2007 with individuals to receive $2,000 and a Team grant of $5,000 to contribute towards the cost of competition, training expenses, equipment or travel.
Terms and conditions for nominations are available on the Foundation's Grant Program website:
and nominations can be made by emailing:
or by writing to:
The Manager,
Louise Sauvage 'Aspire to be a Champion' Foundation,
PO Box 1114, MEADOWBANK NSW 2114.
Nominations must be received by no later than midnight on the 4th December, 2006.
Grant recipients and their nominators will be notified of their success by Sauvage.
Members of the public and corporate sectors can also join Sauvage as she strives to provide opportunities for future Champions by donating to the Foundation.
Further information is available or donations ($2.00 or over are tax deductible) can be made by contacting the Foundation on 1800 352 774 or emailing themanager@aspire.au.com.