It is almost 16 years since the east Gippsland Sports Foundation was inaugurated. During that period over 50 local young athletes, many receiving further funding have been assisted in pursuing their goal to become a “champion” in their chosen sport”.

 Many of these athletes have succeeded in achieving elite status, in their chosen sport in local and regional competition whilst others have grasped the opportunity to compete and succeed at State, National and International level of Competition.

 The MOTTO “GIVE THEM A CHANCE and ANYTHING is POSSIBLE” continues to be the philosophy of the Foundation and a hard working Committee remains both enthusiastic and committed to this motto.

For the past 16 years continuing representations have been made to both the Federal and State Governments for financial support to enable the Foundation to expand its operation and increase the level of support currently provided to our athletes, but to date despite successive Governments applauding the objectives of the Foundation, no funding or support has materialised.

As a consequence the Committee continues to heavily rely on a relatively small group of Donors for the majority of funding to respond to applications for assistance. It is important to recognise and thank these Donors as they do not receive any Taxation dispensation for their contributions. The Foundation has no federal or state Government support.

Finally it is also important that I thank and congratulate members of the Committee, and in particular the Secretary, for their efforts in ensuring the continuing operation and existence of a truly “Beneficial Public Organisation”.   

Harvey Bates MBE