Nine young Tasmanians have received more than $33,000 in Variety Heart Scholarships to help them chase their dreams in sport and the arts.
The scholarships are funded by the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation and Variety – the Children’s Charity Tasmania, providing financial support to talented young people whose circumstances might otherwise hold them back.
Variety Tasmania chief executive Mohammad Aldergham said the recipients showed exceptional talent and determination.
“When we opened applications for the Variety Heart Scholarships earlier this year, we said that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not,” he said.
“This funding will help give them access to the training, coaching, equipment, travel and other opportunities they need to keep developing their talent.”
“For some families, those costs can be the difference between a young person being able to pursue an opportunity or having to let it pass them by.”
The nine scholarships went to young Tasmanians pursuing dance, running, ice skating, basketball, BMX, piano and football.
Among them is 13-year-old dancer Sophie, who has ambitions well beyond Tasmania.
“My dream is to perform in musicals in Australia and all around the world,” Sophie said.
“Receiving this Heart Scholarship from Variety Tasmania means so much.”
The scholarships support children who show talent and commitment while living with disability, chronic illness or financial hardship.
Past recipients include Australian Paralympian Rhiannon Clarke, who received a Variety Heart Scholarship early in her career before competing on the world stage.
The recipients were recognised at a ceremony at Cornelian Bay Boathouse in Hobart on Sunday.
Aldergham thanked the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation for making the program possible in Tasmania.
“The generosity of the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation, in honour of the late Gillian Mapp, is creating opportunities that could have a lasting impact on the lives of these young people,” he said.
“More than $33,000 is being invested in nine young Tasmanians today, but the real value will be in what they are able to do with that opportunity.”
