Celebrated surfer helps future cycling stars

Better known for her seven surfing world titles, Layne Beachley is also building a reputation as a girl power icon. Beachley’s “Aim for the Stars” Foundation assists young women by supporting,  inspiring and motivating them in their pursuits.

The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation provides financial and moral assistance to girls and women across Australia to help them realise their dreams in sporting, academic, community or cultural pursuits.

Over seven years the foundation has supported the dreams of 167 women and recipients have included a glider pilot, marine biologist, racing car driver, violinist, figure skater and even a rodeo rider.

In 2010 three of the 13 recipients were cyclists including two mountain bikers and a para-cyclist.

Two time world mountain bike champion, Caroline Buchanan from Canberra was one of the high profile athletes. Buchanan is now focusing on BMX and aiming at  the London Olympics in 2012.

Also aiming at the 2012 Paralympics is another recipient, C1 Para-cyclist, Jayme Paris from Sydney. Jayme has had a huge year and been able to make the key international qualifying meets and is well on her way to representing Australia at 2012 Paralympics.

Mountain biker, Maya Sidhu from the Gold Coast also received support from the foundation this year. Sidhu is the current cross country national series winner in her age group.

Beachley’s foundation also supported many other talented women this year like dancer, actor and singer, Sarsha Murray from Sydney, who is now studying and living her dream in New York.

Some of the past recipients have gone onto great things including Casey Eastham, a member of Australia’s gold medal hockey team at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Beachley is very proud to support women in their incredible personal endeavours.

“I am thrilled to inspire and motivate women across Australia to dare to dream, pursue their passion and aspire to achieve,” said Beachley.

“My support will give females the opportunity to maintain a determined focus on their goal, to achieve their dreams earlier in life and allow them to further their ambitions and aim for the stars.”

Applications for 2011 grants are now open and the Foundation is inviting girls and women across Australia whether they are an academic, an athlete, an artist or even an archaeologist to apply. An opportunity exists for all females striving to achieve their goals.

Grant applications close 12 November 2010. Grants will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation, to deserving applicants who meet the criteria and best demonstrate their aspirations to further their education and/or personal development.

Interested individuals or groups can get additional information by referring to the website:

www.aimforthestars.com.au

Applications for grants in 2011 remain open until 12^th November,2010.

www.aimforthestars.com.au