Matt Levy OAM Launches Athlete Voice Grant at GAPS Camp
Commonwealth Games gold medallist, four-time world record holder and three-time gold Paralympic medallist Matt Levy OAM today launched a new grant and mentoring initiative to support Para athletes. Attending the Commonwealth Sport GAPS camp on the Gold Coast, Australia, Matt said, “Sport has given me so much, and this is my way of giving back.”
The fund builds on the GAPS Athlete Voice Initiative –a series of bespoke, interactive athlete workshops, which empowers athletes with disabilities to discover their voice, share their stories, and be empowered to create positive change in their communities.
The Athlete Voice Grant, funded initially by Levy’s AUS $15,000 donation to the Commonwealth Sport Foundation’s Athlete Fund, provides small grants of up to GBP £1,000 for Para athletes to bring their ideas to life. Each grant recipient will also be paired with a mentor to provide guidance and encouragement.
“We have seen amazing results when GAPS attendees return to their communities and share their stories and experiences. I want to remove barriers, unlock Para athletes’ potential, and help athletes use their voice to inspire others,” says Levy. “My hope is that this initiative grows into an Athlete Fund where other athletes also contribute – as donors, as mentors, and as role models.”
Five Athlete Voice Grants will be piloted over the next six months, with athletes from upcoming GAPS camps in Oceania, Africa and the Americas eligible to apply. Examples of projects could include community “come and try” days, equipment to make sport more inclusive, or storytelling initiatives such as short films and podcasts to shift community perceptions.
I know that mentoring and encouragement are just as powerful as funding.
Commonwealth Sport Foundation Trustee Adrian Lismore welcomed the launch: “Matt is setting a powerful example of athlete leadership. This is about Para athletes supporting Para athletes, ensuring voices are heard and opportunities are created. We are truly grateful for Matt’s donation and encourage our community of GAPS athletes to apply for these transformative new grants, to share their stories, and be empowered and supported to create positive change in their communities.”
Applications for the Athlete Voice Grant are now open and details on how to apply will be shared directly with GAPS athletes.
