The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) today announced the remaining 16 scholarships for up-and-coming elite athletes in its 2023 Scholarship and Mentoring Program
Junior paddler Jasmine Rayward has been named as one of the 16 recipients of the Tier 3 Scholarship, with each athlete receiving a grant of $2,500 plus support from SAHOF and its esteemed member base over the next 15 months.
16-year-old Rayward represented Australia at the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Szeged this year, placing 9th in the K4 Women 500m Junior Final A.
Not only is she receiving the SAHOF Scholarship for her paddling prowess, but Rayward also represents Australia in Ocean Racing Swimming and Surf Lifesaving.
The talented multi-sport athlete said she was thrilled to be receiving the SAHOF Scholarship.
“It’s amazing to be supported in my sporting journey,” she said
“I feel like I’m actually an athlete, rather than just a recreational participant, and I really appreciate having all my training and achievements acknowledged by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship program.”
Paddle Australia CEO Phil Jones congratulated Rayward on her achievement and well-deserved recognition.
“On behalf of Paddle Australia, I’d like to congratulate Jasmine on her selection as a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship holder for 2023,” he said
“This is fantastic recognition for the hard work and commitment Jasmine continues to show in her chosen sport of canoe sprint.
“Initiatives like the SAHOF play a significant role in supporting athlete development, and I know the SAHOF Scholarship will greatly aid Jasmine as she continues to pursue her sporting dreams.”
Surf Life Saving Australia and Swimming Australia also added their congratulations.
“We are delighted to see Jasmine recognised by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame,” Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weird said.
“Jasmine represents North Burleigh SLSC and is the current Australian Champion in the U17 Female 2km Ocean Swim and will be the youngest member of our Australian Youth Life Saving Team to compete in the 2022 World Championships next month in Italy.
“Her addition to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship class of 2023 is a testament to her dedication, ability, and achievements to date,” he said.
“Jasmine’s incredible talent is clear for all to see as a member of four separate Junior Australian teams this year alone,” added Swimming Australia CEO Eugenie Buckley.
“She has a bright future as one of our country’s rising Open Water swimming stars and we are proud to see her provided with the opportunity to continue to develop her skills through the support of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring program.”
As the nation’s leading sports scholarship program, backed by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport, $150,000 of funding has been awarded this year to the recipients for use on resources to help them achieve greatness in their chosen sport.
