Applications for CoastAbility scholarships program now open

Dylan Littlehales in action

Coastability, the non-profit organisation which helps children and young people with a physical disability, is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 Scholarship for both academic and athletic pursuits for registered clients.

With $5,000 for successful applicants, the organisation is encouraging young people with physical disabilities to apply.

Accomplished para-canoeist and member of the Avoca Kayak Club, Dylan Littlehales, received funding for his trip to the Tokyo Paralympics last year through the scholarship.

“It really helped because $5,000 is a lot of money, especially when you are not working and focusing all your energy on making it in the sport,” Littlehales said.

“It was good to be financially stable and be able to enjoy and focus on the Games in Tokyo.”

Competing in the national team for kayaking, Littlehales’s team won two gold medals and a silver, with Littlehales himself placing fourth by just 0.1 seconds.

“It was very close, but I am going again with the national team to Canada later this year to compete, and trying for the Paris Paralympics in 2024,” he said.

“With these amazing opportunities, I would tell anyone to get in there and apply as you never know, and it really will help you progress your athletic career.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is encouraging all eligible young people to apply.

“CoastAbility is an incredible non-profit organisation that has long supported disabled young people in being able to achieve their dreams, whether it be to attend university or to compete on the international stage in big sporting events such as the Paralympics,” Tesch said.

“I have had the privilege of meeting so many young, talented and disabled people on the Coast who are achieving incredible things just like Mr Littlehales.

“To those interested in the opportunity, do not hesitate and apply today.”

To be eligible for the sports scholarships, you must be aged between 10 and 23, have a primary physical or multiple disabilities, have outstanding sporting achievements or have competed at a state or national level.

To be eligible for the academic scholarships, you must be aged between 16 and 23, have primary physical or multiple disabilities, a sound academic record and acceptance or enrolment in an accredited post-school course of study, or in a course as part of high school studies.

Applications close on May 31.

For further information, visit https://www.coastability.org.au/.

Terry Collins