Courtesy: Swimming Australia
One of the Australian Dolphins most respected athletes is set to leave a lasting legacy for those following in his footsteps, with five-time Paralympian Matt Levy OAM working in conjunction with Swimming Australia to provide further opportunities for junior Para athletes.
Levy has made the first of what will become an annual $15,000 investment in Swimming Australia’s Para High Performance unit. This donation will enhance the Para Futures Training Camp and establish the Matt Levy OAM Pathway Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
The donation will provide a fully funded Para Futures Training Camp for up-and-coming athletes, as well as provide five pathway athletes with scholarships, which includes financial support and regular mentoring opportunities with Levy.
The 2023 Matt Levy OAM Futures Camp is set to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in September and aims to identify, recognize, support and motivate junior Para swimmers demonstrating early potential for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games and beyond.
Futures athletes are selected based upon demonstrated commitment to training and competition, positive performance progression towards nationals Para Flippers Squad selection, standards and display of performance behaviors aligned to the Swimming Australia Para Dolphin Team Values of Courage, Unity and Excellence.
Levy said he felt it was important to give back to a system that had provided critical support in his development.
“Growing up I learned a lot of important lessons from the support I had around me including the athletes I looked up to,” Levy said.
“I firmly believe in having good mentors to help you learn and grow, not just as an athlete but as a person, and I thought it was time to give back, so that’s why supporting the Futures Camp and creating scholarships for the development pathway was so important to me.”
“Giving others the opportunity to experience what I did throughout my career and hear firsthand what it takes to perform at the elite level along with what you learn from the journey, will certainly be a fulfilling investment.”
Swimming Australia CEO, Eugénie Buckley, believes Levy’s selflessness will have a genuine impact on the next generation of Para Dolphins.
“Not only does this initiative speak volumes of Matt’s character, his desire to drive meaningful change for those in the pathway reaffirms his standing as a genuine leader in our sport,” Buckley said.
“We are very excited to be working closely with Matt to not only expand the opportunities for our pathways athletes, but to lean into his lived experience across a decorated career to help them maximise both their potential and platform.”
The Scholarships program will assist pathways athletes reach the highest level in swimming through a combination of financial support and unique mentoring insight from Levy including advice on juggling life and sport, implementing a healthy balance, understanding personal brand and individual values.
Applications for the 2023 Matt Levy OAM Pathway Scholarship and Mentoring Program open for a month from April 21st and will be available to Category 4 athletes who are Australian Citizens and currently classified between S1-S14.
Great job