The AOC has congratulated Olympians Rachael Lynch and Selina Scoble after each received grants from the World Olympians Association (WOA) for separate projects to promote Olympic values.
Each will receive a A$7,000 (US$5,000) Service to Society Grant after making an application through the Australian Olympians Association (AOA).
Rachael Lynch (Hockey - Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020) will deliver coaching clinics and face-to-face mentoring for young women across Australia, with a particular focus on rural areas.
Selina Scoble (Volleyball - Sydney 2000) has developed message bracelets that promote motivation, inspiration and happiness – each handmade bracelet containing a mantra to assist personal mindsets.
AOC President Ian Chesterman says both Olympians deserve praise for their very different approaches to spreading Olympic values and meet different needs.
“These grants are designed to encourage Olympians to address social cohesion, environment and sustainability, sport promotion and important issues such as obesity prevention. Rachael and Selina are using their skills and experiences in very different ways and the value of their projects has been identified by the WOA.
“Olympians provide such important role models for young Australians as they look beyond the playing field to make a difference in Australian communities. I am sure both Rachael and Selina will inspire and succeed with their respective projects and congratulate them both for their initiative and energy,” Mr Chesterman said.
Rachael Lynch, who is also a member of the AOC Athletes’ Commission, says she’s grateful her project was selected.
“I will be visiting the rural and remote towns of Australia running hockey clinics to encourage increased participation in the sport and ensure that Australia can continue its proud history with hockey across all levels. COVID has provided many challenges for sport in Australia so as an Olympian I want to show young athletes, particularly young females, that there is a world of opportunities out there for them, through sport,” Rachael said.
Selina Scoble says the MESSAGE bracelet has been a dream for more than five years.
“It’s the perfect time to launch these bracelets as Australians continue to feel the impacts from COVID, the floods, housing challenges, and the cost of living,” Selina said.
“It means I can help make a difference in people’s lives by giving them a unique piece of jewellery they can wear on their wrist each day as a reminder and focus. I can’t wait to launch in July and make a difference not only in my community and Australia, but around the world. Thank you WOA for believing in my project and giving me that extra boost to make a difference.”
The pair now has 12 months to deliver their respective projects.
