WIMMERA Regional Sports Assembly and Horsham Cycling Club have launched a sporting scholarship to honour late Horsham cycling legend Ian Niblett.
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The $500 scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a young athlete or coach in any sport.
Horsham Cycling Club president Geoff Witmitz said it was important to honour Mr Niblett and his achievements in the community.
Mr Niblett was a club life member and long-standing junior development coach.
“Ian was a long-time steward of the club who generously gave up his time to help young athletes achieve their goals,” Mr Witmitz said.
“He had a huge impact on the success of a lot of cyclists. He was a significant loss to the club and community.”
Horsham Cycling Club created a foundation in Mr Niblett’s honour after his death in 2011.
Mr Witmitz said the club wanted to help sportspeople with the rising cost of participating in regional sports.
Ian had a huge impact on the success of a lot of cyclists. He was a significant loss to the club and community.
- Geoff Witmitz
“When Ian passed away the club decided to start a foundation and deposit money to help young cyclists reach the next level, whether that be state or regional or another level,” he said.
“We know what the burdens of cost are with travel in regional areas, so we really want to help support aspiring young athletes and coaches.”
Mr Witmitz said it was important the scholarship was open to coaches, as well as the competitors themselves.
“We decided to actually include coaches as well, to really emulate what Ian did for our club,” he said.
“Without local guidance, it is very difficult for regional athletes.”
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly executive officer David Berry said it was pleasing to see regional sportspeople encouraged to advance their sporting careers.
“This is a fantastic way for aspiring athletes or coaches to apply for funding to assist them with their development or, in the case of a coach, help them take the next step towards a higher accreditation,” he said.
“Naming the scholarship after Horsham Cycling Club’s passionate junior coach is a great way to remind people of the dedication and commitment Ian Niblett had for developing junior talent.”
Applications for the scholarship are open through the sports assembly and will close at the end of January.
Mr Berry said people could call 5382 4599 for more information.