Levy launches Keen Kids Scholarship
'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.'
Matt Levy’s focus on what he can do, rather than what he can’t, not only saw him win three golds, one silver and five bronzes across five Paralympic Games, but succeed in the corporate world and most importantly, continue to help and encourage others.
Since retiring as an athlete last July, Levy – who lives with cerebral palsy and vision impairment – remains as busy as ever.
The 36-year-old, who is a board member of the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability, married his fiancee, Hannah, last month at a wedding in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, where the couple are building a home.
He finished his third book, Going the Distance: Identify and Create Your Own Lane to Success, which can be pre-ordered now via his website.
And since January, he has established three sets of scholarships to nurture future leaders, both in and out of the pool.
The latest one, launched on July 20, is a $3000 contribution to the Keen Kids Scholarship, that will provide financial support and mentorship to support five junior para athletes in Oceania, aged 7-12.
The mentoring component will include video recordings based on useful tips and advice that Levy provided in his 2021 children’s book called Brandon Dreams Big! and there will also be an opportunity for the recipients to chat directly 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.
“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.”
The Keen Kids Scholarship and its launch day in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, was held in partnership with children’s entertainer and YouTuber, Ozzie, who was attempting to break two official world records in one day – both related to dribbling soccer balls.
Proceeds from that will go towards sport equipment and programs for kids with a disability, disadvantaged kids and children in remote communities.
Levy also recently launched two other important scholarships.
Applications recently closed for the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship, worth up to $20,000, to support a commencing student at Griffith University who is experiencing financial hardship or educational disadvantage.
Levy has also committed to an annual $15,000 investment in Swimming Australia’s Para High Performance Unit.
That will fully fund a Para Futures training camp each September, as well as the Matt Levy OAM Pathway Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Last week, that scholarship’s first intake was confirmed, with three NSW recipients, and one each from Queensland and Western Australia.
To find out more, visit mattlevy.com.au/scholarships
comments