As anticipation builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) has joined forces with local non-profit HealthWISE to champion regional talent closer to home. For the second year in a row, HealthWISE is supporting five New England North West athletes with $2000 Active Champions Fund grants to help them pursue their sporting goals – including wearing the green and gold at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“What stands out to us about these athletes isn’t just their performance – it’s their character, their leadership, and their commitment to their communities,” HealthWISE chief executive officer Sally Urquhart said at the presentation in the Tamworth Sports Dome on Tuesday, February 3.
“This fund isn’t just about medals or podiums. It’s about health. It’s about opportunity. And it’s about showing young people in regional Australia that their dreams matter and that their communities are backing them.”
NIAS regional manager Sue Charles was proud to share the successes of the 2025 Active Champions, including Guyra clay target shooter Charlie Ward’s selection in the Olympic International Shooting Sport Federation skeet program after earning gold in China, and mountain biker Ben Shaw winning gold at the 2025 Junior XCR National Championships.
“The financial support went a long way – it took me all the way to Europe,” Calala hockey player and 2025 winner Archie Clarke told this year’s Active Champions. Archie played for the under 16 Australian Joeys in Europe last year.
“I know this journey requires years of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience, but I am prepared for the challenge,” Scone rower Isabella Henderson said. The 2026 winner has already used the funds to help purchase her new boat, ‘Bubbles’.
The Armidale School student is striving for victory in the school’s most prestigious rowing event, Head of the River, while aiming for a podium finish at the Australian Rowing Championships and selection in the Australian junior team. She dreams of representing her country at both the 2032 and 2036 Olympics.
“In my heart and mind, I truly believe I was born for this,” Isabella said. From regatta entry fees, training camps and travel costs to equipment upgrades, nutrition and recovery, she said the grant will cover a wide variety of essential costs.
For Tamworth basketballer Molly Stokeld, the funds will support her aspirations for selection in the NSW U16 state team and the Basketball NSW State Performance Program. An enthusiastic coach for younger players through Aussie Hoops and Mini Hoops programs, Molly loves teaching the game and staying involved in the local basketball community.
Armidale hockey players Luke Schmude and Luke Whitty both won gold with the NSW U18s state team at the Indoor National Championships in January. The duo also shares a sporting idol in Kookaburra player and Armidale local Nathan Czinner.
“He inspires me to keep pushing, knowing that with hard work and commitment, I can achieve my dreams, no matter where I come from,” Luke Schmude explained.
The pair said the Active Champions Fund will allow them to compete at their best by offsetting costs for international and local competitions and easing the financial burden for their parents.
“My ultimate dream is to represent Australia in either hockey or athletics at the Commonwealth Games, and maybe even the Brisbane Olympics in 2032,” Calrossy student Charlotte Williams said. A member of the NSW state hockey squad, Charlotte was recently selected as a shadow for the U16 team. Last year she won the Combined Independent Schools tournament for discus and was fifth in the state at the All Schools competition.
The grant will facilitate Charlotte’s out-of-town athletic coaching sessions, assist with competition travel and allow her to purchase new equipment.
Reflecting the non-profit’s commitment to health promotion, the scholarship is part of the HealthWISE Gift Fund, which has been supporting community wellbeing initiatives since 2018.
