Last year proved unceremoniously quiet as sport became collateral damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the trust has started the new year with a bang, courtesy of a generous grant from Benalla business Goulburn Murray Credit Union.
Last Thursday, GMCU branch manager Jenni Cogger presented a cheque for $500 to trustee Steph Ryan.
Ryan said the trust was “incredibly grateful” for GMCU’s donations over the years.
“This really demonstrates the power of community banking, the way GMCU tips back into our local community,” Ryan said.
“And from the trust’s perspective, we couldn’t support young people in the way that we do without the support of people like Jenni and GMCU.”
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Cogger said GMCU was passionate about supporting its community, with the trust a "perfect fit".
“What better way to do that than to support the young people of our community?” she said.
With very little action on the sporting field last year, Ryan said the trust was looking forward to helping Benalla's junior athletes refocus on their sporting dreams this year.
“This year hopefully will be a more active one for the trust in being able to support young people as they get back out onto sporting grounds and fields,” she said.
“Sport is such a fundamental part of regional communities, and the trust has been very proud over the years to help young people further their ambitions and further their ability within their respective sporting fields.”
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Ryan encouraged those in the community who needed financial assistance to pursue sporting events to get in touch with the trust.
“I don’t know any other community that has a trust like this, which is specifically set up to help young people who have sporting ability to pursue their dreams,” Ryan said.
“Coming from regional communities, it’s always more expensive to travel for tournaments or competitions and the trust is there to help people who might need a bit of financial support.
“We passionately believe in the value of sport in young people’s lives . . . and we would encourage people to send us their applications.”
● Application forms can be found at Steph Ryan’s office at 25 Bridge St, Benalla.
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