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 our capital 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 regimes to their school curriculum 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 fulfil 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 with support and encouragement can go a long way and it is for this reason the Foundation was established.

What Happens to the Money?

Money raised by the East Gippsland Sports Foundation is placed on deposit through the Bairnsdale based Bendigo Community Bank and Gippsland Secure Investments. No fees or charges are payable and all money raised through these investments is directed to the young sports people whom the Foundation was set up to assist. Foundation Directors who give their time freely and voluntarily do not receive fees.

Athletes Awarded Foundation Funding

Since 2005 the Foundation has financially supported some 27 athletes from a range of sports including amongst others tae kwon do, sailing, volleyball, squash, football, golf, hockey, athletics and equestrian.

In all cases the dedication and the extreme financial commitment shown by the athletes and their families to further their chosen sport made them worthy recipients, many of whom have gone on to represent Victoria and Australia.

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