About Sporting Dreams

Sporting dreams is a foundation assisting people with physical disabilities to enjoy fun, fitness and personal development through sport and to achieve their sporting dreams- becoming role models for a fit and healthy lifestyle in the process.

Our aim is to change lives through sport by providing grants to help people with physical disabilities become involved in sport and even unearth some future champions The Grants are open to beginner and developing athletes and are awarded once a year, covering equipment, training and competition costs.

Sporting Dreams was founded by Paralympic medal winning swimmer Marayke Jonkers in 2008. Marayke says she always wanted to give something back to sport, which has given her so many opportunities. When Marayke won $10,000 as the inaugural Cosmopolitan Magazine fun fearless female she decided to use the money to start sporting Dreams.

The fund is administered by the Queensland Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association on Marayke’s behalf.

Aims

• To change lives through sport by providing grants to help people with physical disabilities live an active lifestyle and participate in competitive sport and achieve their sporting dreams. The Grants are awarded once a year and cover equipment, training and competition costs.

• To have a significant impact on each athlete who receives a grant by providing inspiration  and mentoring in addition to a funding grant.

Values

We believe that involvement in sports at all levels increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. We also believe that awarding an athlete with a grant does far more than provide vital funds, it sends an inspiring message to the athlete that “we believe in you.”

Why do athletes with disabilities need support?

Athletes with disabilities train just as hard as able bodied athletes and experience the same thrills of sport: the joy of winning, the agony of losing and for very elite athletes the pride of representing Australia.

Yet there are additional financial barriers. An able bodied child interested in learning to ride a bike with their siblings can pick one up at kmart for $100. A wheelchair athlete will have to spend $1500-$12,000 to have a specially adapted handcycle custom built to suit their needs. A runner needs a pair of racing shoes. A wheelchair racer needs a $3000 racing chair to race on the exact same track. An able bodied athlete who wants to learn to swim can join the local swim club and swim in a squad, who share the costs of a coach. Often a swimmer with a disability may require one on one coaching at a much higher expense. 
 
When athletes are given the equipment and support, their is no limit to the sporting glory that can be achieved. And the whole community is inspired.
 
At the moment Queensland  athletes can access a grants through the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association to cover half their travel costs to competitions, but are left to foot the bill or fundraise for equipment and training.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
 
For $250 you can put a smile on the face of a child with disability by helping them to get started in a sport
 
For $1000 you can support a future champion by assisting a  developing athlete with disability

For more information visit the Donations Page

Sporting Dreams Logo

The sporting Dreams logo was designed by Kylie Jackat of Dalee design and Butterfly kids. It is a symbol of a successful athlete, arms raised in victory as they cross the finishing line. The circular shape represents a racing wheelchair , and the arms could also be seen to represent wings as the athlete takes flight and reaches for the stars. The colours lime green and blue were chosen to represent the earth and water where all athletes compete, as well as incorporating the Australian colours of green and gold. The stars also have a double meaning, representing Australia in the form of the Southern Cross and also encouraging athletes to ‘reach for the stars’ and chase their sporting dreams.