Angus Armstrong, Caelin Winchombe, Matt Ramsden and Yale Steinepreis awarded AIS Education Scholarships
WAIS scholarship holders Angus Armstrong (athletics), Caelin Winchombe (sailing), Matt Ramsden (athletics) and Yale Steinepreis (canoeing) have been awarded AIS Education Scholarships.
The AIS Education Scholarship program is an initiative designed to ease the financial burden on athletes who are undergoing education to prepare for life beyond sport.
Pole vaulter Angus Armstrong who is eyeing selection for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, while studying Bachelor of Advanced Science (majoring in Neuroscience and Physiology), Honours studies at the The University of Western Australia said, “Pursuing a dual career can be difficult at times, and the support from the leading sporting body in the country is empowering. It speaks to a broader trend within elite sport that is aware of the value of future proofing athletes.
“I hope this encourages more athletes to diversify their pursuits, and chase passion on and off the playing field!”
Caelin Winchombe, who has recently made a switch to the new Olympic sailing class of iQFOiL, continues to pursue his studies.
“After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Australia I commenced postgraduate study to pursue a career as a professional engineer. Whilst challenging at times, university provides a unique outlet away from sport, where physical demands are replaced with a pursuit of self-improvement through education.
Sport and academia exist symbiotically in my day-to-day life, skills transferring from one side to the other. The financial support received from the AIS education scholarship helps to nurture this relationship, enabling me to set myself up for a future engineering career alongside sailing.”
Matt Ramsden, who represented Australia at the indoor World Championships is currently completing a Bachelor of Law at Deakin University.
“The AIS Education Scholarship is important to me because it shows Australia that our major sporting institute encourages athletes to develop a skill set off the track which sets them up for life after the conclusion of their sporting careers.
“This is not only crucial to the welfare of the athletes after they finish up with sport but also encourages athletes to possibly use education to give back to sport within Australia.”
Paddler Yale Steinepreis, who relocated to Queensland to join the Paddle Australia National Centre of Excellence is pursuing a Juris Doctor at Griffith University, and will represent Australia at her first elite World Championships later this year.
“I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship from the AIS. Pursuing a dual career can be difficult at times, and the support from the leading sporting body in the country is empowering. It speaks to a broader trend within elite sport that is aware of the value of future proofing athletes.
“I hope this encourages more athletes to diversify their pursuits, and chase passion on and off the playing field!”
AIS Director Matti Clements said “The AIS now has formal links with more than 40 universities and 12 TAFEs, giving Australian athletes greater choice and flexibility with their education support. We are pleased to support athletes who demonstrate a genuine commitment to study and can use their own experiences to inspire and benefit others, in sport and the broader community.”
