Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Steve Moneghetti AM has been recognised as a life member of the Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund (SESF) following his decision to stand down from his role as a mentor and ambassador for the foundation.

Moneghetti joined the SESF during 2014 as both an ambassador and mentor and during his eight-year tenure in the role, mentored multiple athletes within the discipline of athletics and across other sports, providing outstanding advice and guidance to young athletes in the early years of their sporting journeys.

Moneghetti acknowledged the honour, while also paying tribute to the work that the SESF undertakes to improve the financial stability of the athletes and their families who receive scholarships.

“To receive life membership is incredibly humbling, I’ve loved every minute of my involvement with the foundation, and I have received back far more from this experience than I have been able to give,” Moneghetti said.

“For us to celebrate 10 years of the SESF, it’s a significant milestone and to be a part of the journey along the way has been terrific.

Both the announcement of his stepping down and life membership were made during the 10-year celebration of the SESF at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Nick Mooney, SESF Executive Director echoed Moneghetti’s sentiments, recognising the impact of his involvement as a mentor.

“Steve has been an instrumental ambassador and mentor for the SESF over the last 8 years. His professional resume is second to none and he has been an exceptional spokesperson for the foundation,” Mooney said.

“He has given an enormous amount of his time into supporting the next generation of athletes and for that he is entirely deserving of this life membership.”

Since 2012 the SESF has provided financial scholarships to athletes and their families from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with the foundation wrapping up its inaugural year as a national charity in 2022.