Away from the sporting fields, 28 recipients of the Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund gathered on Friday 19 October, to receive a mentoring session with Olympic Gold Medallist and SSV Ambassador Mack Horton OAM.
Students, parents and SESF partners heard from scholarship recipient Maya Markovski ;who was incredibly grateful to have received a scholarship, speak of how she was forced to stop playing soccer at the age of 12, due to lack of opportunities for girls. Determined to progress through the ranks, Markovski persevered, and is now pursuing her dreams of playing for the Matildas.
As emerging athletes, the students were provided with an opportunity to work alongside Horton, who was joined by fellow sportsman, Matthew Haanappel OAM and Ed Phillips. Horton discussed how students can achieve their dreams through setting goals and carefully guided them to examining their values, what they need to achieve to progress their careers and the importance of prioritising education, family and friends.
The parents of the scholarship holders were also mentored, by former St. Kilda Captain and SESF Committee Membe rNathan Bourke. Nathan unpacked many of the issues families face when their child is a gifted sports person, working through topics including building resilience, teaching problem solving, maintaining perspective, choosing your own attitude and building confidence, Parents left equipped with a bank of knowledge to continue to support their child.
The evening, also provided an opportunity for SESF Partners to meet the students who have benefited from their generous donations.
The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund (SESF) has been developed to award a bursary to students from low socio-economic, indigenous or rural and regional backgrounds who have been selected to represent Victoria as a member of Team Vic.
Following on from the Mentoring Session, Mack Horton OAM has personally selected two Sports Excellence Scholarship recipients, Teah Wilson and Riley Spicer to mentor throughout 2019.
This is a great initiative, School Sport Victoria (SESF) are excited to be working alongside Olympic and Commonwealth Gold medallist, SSV Ambassador and swimming legend Mack Horton OAM, who will be personally active in mentoring both Teah and Riley. The photo captured their first get together, the Australian Open.
Teah Wilson has been selected in multiple Team Vic teams, for both Netball and Track & Field.
Riley Spicer has been selected in the Team Vic Basketball team. SSV believe many great things will come from this mentoring relationship.
We are looking forward to where this journey will take Riley and Teah.
For more information on the Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund, visit sesf.org.au or if you would like to make a donation, we invite you to contact Nick Mooney Interim CEO of School Sport Victoria at mooney.nicholas.r@edumail.vic.gov.au.
