Supporting women in sport

Laura Oakley plans to continue her love of kayaking. (Supplied)

Tate Papworth

Victoria University is offering women further opportunities to get involved in sport.

With the support of Dr Susan Alberti, the university last week announced the inaugural Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarships.

The scholarship is a legacy to the fundraising Dr Alberti provides to support creating ‘no boundaries’ for women in sport.

“Everyone knows I’m passionate about sport, especially when it is used as a vehicle to improve women’s health, provide leadership opportunities and create pathways to increase participation on the field, and in the boardrooms,” Dr Alberti said.

“I am delighted to show my support by funding these scholarships and wish the inaugural recipients my congratulations.”

Each year, two women will receive a Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarship to assist their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in sport at VU, along with the opportunity to receive mentoring from a VU Alumni sport community leader.

The first two recipients of the Victoria University Women in Sport Scholarship are Laura Oakley and Zoe Pease.

Laura is studying a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science.

After a traumatic experience resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Laura continues to focus on progressing in her sport of white water rafting and kayaking.

Zoe also studies a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science and plans to take on further studies to qualify as a secondary school teacher in sports and outdoor education with the focus of increasing the confidence of students she teaches.

Tate Papworth