Twelve elite athletes at the University of Canberra have received $10 000 scholarships towards their studies for 2022, through the Eldon and Anne Foote Trust valued at $120,000.
Director of UC Sport Carrie Graf said the generous scholarships from the Eldon and Anne Foote Trust ensure that elite athletes are able to pursue an education on top of their training and competition commitments.
“For many of our elite athlete students, balancing paid employment with their sporting and study schedules can be challenging,” Ms Graf said.
“This scholarship will mean that many of them are able to dedicate more time to their university and training commitments, without worrying about how they’re going to pay rent or buy groceries.”
The Eldon and Anne Foote Elite Athlete Scholarships have been presented to students at the University for six years.
This year’s scholarship recipients include a gymnast, boxing coach, Rugby Union and League players, snow sport athletes, field athletes, and several team sport players, who compete in hockey, softball, and rowing.
Ms Graf said the scholarships further align with the University’s sport strategy, by promoting access to higher education through sport. This further contributes to encouraging athletes to pursue their tertiary education goals, while continuing to achieve in the sport arena.
“UC is a member of the Elite Athlete University Network, a program run through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), which provides support and flexibility for elite athletes completing their studies,” she said.
“It is intended to help them prepare for a life after sport in an enabling and supportive environment.”