Two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matt Levy OAM is set to leave a lasting impact on the sport, with the establishment of the Matt Levy OAM Pathway Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Considered one of swimming’s most respected athletes, the five-time Paralympian will work 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, with the donation to enhance the Para Futures Training Camp.
It will provide a fully funded Para Futures Training Camp for up-and-coming athletes, as well as provide five pathway athletes with scholarships including financial support and regular mentoring opportunities with Levy.
“Growing up I learnt 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.”
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The 2023 Matt Levy OAM Futures Camp is set to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in September and aims to identify, recognise, 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 behaviours aligned to the Swimming Australia Para Dolphin Team Values of Courage, Unity and Excellence.
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.
