Young Queenslanders Elisha King (North Cairns ), Mabior Chol (Yeronga), Rueben William (Zillmere), Shaleise Law (Darling Downs), Shannon Campbell (Wilston Grange), Tahlia Randall (Kawana Park) and Didymus Blankett (Cape York) are amongst the recipients of the Jim Stynes Scholarship Fund announced today by the AFL.
The scholarships are named in honour of the former Melbourne Football Club president and Brownlow Medallist.
The scholarships recognise Jim Stynes’ contribution as an outstanding footballer, administrator, philanthropist, charity worker and writer with a total of 44 scholarships of up to $20, 000 each awarded to individuals and projects in 2015.
Funded by the Federal Government through the Department of Health and supported by the AFL and The Reach Foundation, the purpose of the Jim Stynes Scholarship Fund is to assist in providing both a pathway to employment and a pathway to develop skills and talents unique in youth aged 15 to 19 who have a multicultural or Indigenous background or are from a socially isolated community.
38 scholarships have been awarded to individuals comprising of seven females, 19 with an Indigenous background, and 11 from a multicultural background with an additional six scholarships awarded to projects reaching more than 500 participants across three states.
AFL Senior Advisor, Indigenous and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Mifsud said the scholarships have been awarded to young female and male footballers who are committed to achieving success, both on and off the field.
“Regardless of race, ability, gender or location, all young people should be provided the same opportunities to fully participate in initiatives that help them realise their full potential.
“These scholarships will allow this years’ recipients the means to chase their own dreams,” Mifsud said.
Chief Executive Officer of The Reach Foundation Trisha Squires said the scholarship fund is a fantastic way to commemorate Jim Stynes’ legacy while providing opportunities for young people who are aspirational.
“The Reach Foundation is committed to helping young women and men reach their potential and we are proud to see the 44 scholarships awarded to such worthy recipients.”
Recipients will receive funding towards football, travel and education expenses so they can continue to develop their talents, gain confidence and realise their potential.
The following recipients of the Jim Stynes Scholarship fund have been selected by a panel comprising representatives from the AFL and The Reach Foundation:
Aidyn Johnson (Bendigo Pioneers VIC), Antionne Forrest-Yarran (South Coogee WA), Benjamin Nabea Davis (Maroubra Saints NSW), Bol Jok (Pakenham VIC), Brandan Parfitt (Nightcliff SA/North Adelaide NT), Buku Khamis (St Albans Vic), Callum Ah Chee (South Fremantle WA), Courtney Ugle (Swan Districts WA), Didymus Blankett (Cape York QLD), Eli Prescott (Macleay Valley Eagles NSW), Elisha King (North Cairns QLD), Gach Nyuon (Dandenong Stingrays VIC), Goy Lok (Mazenod VIC), Harrison Macreadie (Henty NSW/ACT), Hisham Kerbatieh (Calder Cannons VIC), Jake Brown (Coffs Harbour Swans NSW), Jake Sushames (North Launceston TAS), Jammarah Firebrace (Bendigo Pioneers NSW), Jarrod Korewha (North Ballarat Rebels VIC), Jayden Rymer (Nelson Bay Marlins NSW), Jodie Hicks (Riverina Lions NSW), Katrina Tinson (South Fremantle Women’s FC WA), Keiran Agius (North Adelaide SA), Kym Lebois (Koonibba SA), Mabior Chol (Yeronga QLD), Maddison Ugle (Peel Thunderbirds WA), Mading Atem (Western Jets VIC), Musa Amin (Noble Park VIC), Rodney Baird (Palmerston Magpies NT), Rueben William (Zillmere QLD), Russell Wynne (Claremont WA), Sam Petrevski-Seton (Claremont WA), Sam Powell-Pepper (East Perth WA), Shaleise Law (Darling Downs QLD), Shannon Campbell (Wilston Grange QLD), Tahlia Randall (Kawana Park QLD), Taran Etto (Campbelltown NSW), Tarryn Trindal Thomas (Northern Bombers TAS), Yestin Eades (North Ballarat Rebels VIC).
The following projects are recipients of the Jim Stynes Scholarship fund:
AFL Cape York (40 participants, QLD), Western Bulldogs Whitten Project (70 participants, VIC), AFL NSW Adam Goodes Indigenous Talent Program (30 participants, NSW), Gold Coast Suns Jarrod Harbrow Leadership Academy (20 participants, QLD), The Reach Foundation Grounded Workshops (160 participants, VIC), AFL Victoria Diversity Program Coordinator Traineeships (2 trainees, VIC).
