Since its inception in 2006, there have been five successful athletes each paired with a Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as one of their Mentors.
Now in its 15th year, and with thanks to Australian Government funding from Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), our expanded Program now offers three Tiers, with a total of 32 Scholarships being awarded.
Tier 1 includes six young athletes, all from different sports, who will each receive a $10,000 sporting grant and be personally mentored by some of Australian sport’s most iconic names.
Ten Tier 2 Scholarships have been granted to young athletes from 10 different sports, who will each receive a $5,000 sporting grant.
A further 16 young athletes, have been granted Tier 3 Scholarships and will each receive a $2,500 sporting grant.
Congratulations again to all 32 successful Scholarship Holders and the six Mentors for providing their valuable time and expertise.
Tier 1 Scholarship Holders & Mentors

Ari Gesini
Athletics – Long Jump (T38)
George Gregan AM
Mentor

Molly Picklum
Surfing
Debbie Watson OAM
Mentor
Tier 2 Scholarship Holders
Tier 3 Scholarship Holders
Name |
Age | State | Sport |
Ben Booth | 18 | QLD | Volleyball |
Erin Classen | 16 | WA | Squash |
Will Cooley | 18 | NSW | Sailing |
Katja Dedekind | 19 | QLD | Para-Swimming |
Charlotte Derbyshire | 19 | QLD | Triathlon |
Kailey Harlen | 19 | NSW | Canoe/Kayak |
Alex Hoberg | 19 | SA | Shooting |
Alysha Koloi | 19 | QLD | Diving |
Maleah Lang-McMahon | 16 | QLD | Equestrian |
Jamieson Leeson | 17 | NSW | Boccia – Para |
Darcie Morton | 20 | VIC | Cross Country Skiing |
Abigail Paduch | 20 | NSW | Judo |
Hattie Shand | 20 | SA | Hockey |
Brendon Smith | 20 | VIC | Swimming/Surf Life Saving |
Heath Thorpe | 20 | QLD | Gymnastics |
Tom Toparis | 20 | NSW | Motorcycling |
Accolades for retiring ASC Chair John Wylie AM

More direct funding to sports and athletes, a more efficient organisation, a focus of improved sport governance and greater recognition for women’s sport and the Paralympic movement highlight the leadership of Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chair John Wylie AM. Mr Wylie has officially announced he will retire as Chair on November 5 this year, completing an eight-year term. Mr Wylie was appointed in September 2012 as the sixth Chair of the ASC. The ASC and the whole sport sector is indebted to Mr Wylie’s dedication, service and his tireless advocacy for Australian sport. Read more