Variety Seeks Bright Sparks for Scholarships

Variety – The Children’s Charity wants to help Kiwi kids reach their lifelong dreams in education, music, art, and sport through its Gold Heart Scholarship programme.

Applications open on February 1 for the programme, which provides talented Kiwi kids who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged with $5,000 and matches them with a mentor to assist them to reach their goals. To apply children should already be at a high level in their field and show passion and commitment to achieve a long-term aspirational goal as demonstrated by significant achievements to date.

“CMC Markets will once again generously fund six educational scholarships and we look forward to receiving applications from young Kiwis aged up to 18 who are interested in pursuing dreams in the education field, as well as in the fields of music, art and sport,” says Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor.

“Over the past three years, we have funded 72 scholarships for Kiwi kids in fields as varied as rugby, artistic roller skating, flute and art – regardless of the field or the adversity they have overcome, the common theme with these children is their outstanding talent and determination to reach their dreams,” continued Ms Taylor.

One of the unique aspects of the Scholarship is that each recipient is assigned a leading professional or celebrity mentor to encourage and support them throughout the year.

Mary Fisher has been the recipient of a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship for the past three years. Mary is a top scholar, international sportsperson, musician, youth leader and volunteer and has only one per cent sight.

“The Variety Scholarship has not only given me the opportunity to achieve highly within my sport of swimming but also to explore other leadership and academic opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to reach for previously,” says Mary. “Jayne Parsons, my mentor, has been of great help. Her knowledge of being a blind athlete in a sighted world is invaluable; we can compare experiences, always finding the humour in tough situations.”

The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship fund makes available a maximum of $5,000 per annum for up to three years to help children with special needs fulfil their dreams. This could include assisting with tuition fees, personal development, coaching, and the purchase of training equipment, travel or accommodation.

Applications close on March 31, 2011.

For further information on application criteria or to download an application form, please go to www.variety.org.nz or call Heather Stevens on (09) 520 4111.

ENDS

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