Why Help is Needed

While East Gippsland is blessed with an abundance of natural features that contribute to a wonderful rural outdoor lifestyle, it brings with it difficulties for some who aspire to greater heights.

The region’s remoteness from the city can be a distinct disadvantage to our young sports men and women who have the potential to reach the elite level.

In many cases our ‘kids’ must add rigid and demanding coaching and training regime’s to their school curriculums and often this means extensive travel to Melbourne as well as distant regional centres.

This places high demands on the youngsters as well as their dedicated families who, in many cases, make considerable sacrifices in time and of their finances so that their children can fulfill their dreams.

Travels costs including fuel and accommodation as well as investment in sporting equipment and attire can mean considerable financial pressure and for some the burden is too great meaning those who could be champions are denied the chance.

The East Gippsland Sports Foundation recognises that in many cases financial help coupled support and encouragement can go a long way and it is for this reason the East Gippsland Sports Foundation has been established.

What Happens to the Money?

Money raised by the East Gippsland Sports Foundation is placed on deposit through the Bairnsdale based Gippsland Secure Investments whose Managing Director, John Stephenson is a member of the Foundation’s Board. No fees or charges are payable and all money raised through the investment is directed to the young sports people whom the Foundation was set up to assist. No fees are paid to Foundation Directors who give their time freely and voluntarily.

Athletes Awarded Foundation Funding

Eight young athletes received a career boost with financial support totaling $10,000.00 through the funding initiative of the East Gippsland Sports Foundation. 

They attended a presentation at "The Coliseum", Bairnsdale (Italian Australian Club).

These young athletes had been selected after an application and interview process involving themselves and their families.

In all cases the dedication and the extreme financial commitment shown by the athlete and their family to further their chosen sport made them worthy recipients.

The Foundation Chairman Harvey Bates said that the range of sports that these young athletes represent underline the potential talent that can be found in East Gippsland.

First Funding Awards - Recipients: