Funding boost for sporting star

18th Feb 2025

Guyra’s Charlie Ward is one of five sporting stars who will receive $2000 each to support their Olympic dreams thanks to local non profit HealthWISE and the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS).
The Active Champions Fund seeks to assist rural athletes with the costs of competing at a high level as they work to qualify for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to the Australian government, only 2% of teenagers between 13 and 17 get the recommended amount of physical activity a day.
“It’s champions like you who can stand up and show others the way,” HealthWISE executive manager of strategy Sally Urquhart told recipients at the scholarship presentation on February 12th.
“As a health organisation, we recognise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the impact it has on our physical and mental wellbeing.
“Regular activity strengthens the heart, boosts immunity, improves mental health and helps to build lifelong habits of wellness.”
NIAS CEO Shona Eichorn said the two organisations share their values and the goal of promoting healthier lifestyles across the region. As parents, Ms Eichorn and HealthWISE CEO Fiona Strang recognised the investment required from families of rural athletes.
Guyra’s Charlie Ward was “stoked” to be selected to support her dual loves of clay target shooting and equestrian.
Charlie represented Australia in China for dressage and showjumping last year, and enjoyed going from underdog status to becoming the Australian National Ladies Champion (12 guage) at the Australian Clay Target Association’s Down the Line Championships. She’s confident in her shooting skills and has the Brisbane Olympics in her sights.
Other recipients were Kootingal pole vaulter Teddy Hampton, Calala hockey player Archie Clarke, Tamworth tennis player Orlando York and Tamworth cyclist Benjamin Shaw.
“I hope the scholarships will enhance your ability to access training and competitions, and to continue to strive to be the best version of you - athletically, but also personally,” Ms Urquhart told the athletes.
The Active Champions Fund is part of the HealthWISE gift fund, which has supported community activities promoting health and wellbeing every year since 2018. Last year the fund helped nine
childcare centres establish kitchen gardens to teach youngsters the value of fresh vegetables.

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Funding boost for sporting star

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