World Olympians Association launches 2018 grant funding programme

12 | 9 | 2017

World Olympians Association (WOA) has launched its 2018 Service to Society grant scheme following the success of its inaugural 2017 programme.

National Olympians Associations will once again have the opportunity to apply for one of five US $5,000 grants that will help drive sustainable, Olympian-led, community projects and initiatives.

Applications should be lodged no later than 13 October 2017. To apply visit: Olympians.org.

The aim of the scheme, which was first launched in November last year, is to empower Olympians to deliver projects that align with the promotion of the Olympic values. 

Now in its second year, the scheme has successfully funded projects in Australia, Estonia, Malaysia and Zimbabwe, encouraging Olympians to make a difference in their communities by using sport as a catalyst for change.

From mini school Olympics to an Olympian–run chicken farm that raises money to fund the ongoing education of athletes, the projects embody the spirit of Olympism and provide a powerful demonstration of Olympians’ ability to make a positive and lasting impact beyond the field of play.

 “Without a doubt Olympians have the power to inspire others through their passion, their drive and their will to succeed” said WOA President Joël Bouzou. “When this energy is focussed on projects that aspire to make the world a better place, the potential Olympians have to make a genuine difference as leaders and as role models in their communities, comes to the fore.

“We were absolutely delighted with the calibre of our 2017 grant recipients, who have used the funding to help spread the spirit and practice of Olympism globally by fostering social development through sport and promoting inclusion at a local level.

“We are proud to be able to support even more Olympian-led initiatives in 2018 by offering a further five Service to Society scheme grants to worthy projects around the world. We look forward with great anticipation to learning more about the inspiring plans from our Olympian family as they are submitted.”

All NOAs planning projects and initiatives in 2018 that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for 2018 Service to Society applications is 13 October 2017 with the decision on grants for the next funding cycle expected to be confirmed by the WOA Service to Society Grants Panel in January 2018.

For more information and to review the application form visit: Olympians.org