Young Torres Strait Islander Wasie Toolis is a dual athlete who believes she could not have competed at the elite level without the support of the Elite Indigenous Travel and Accommodation Assistance Program (EITAAP).

‘Performing to a high standard in two different sports is very challenging as it is, and without the great assistance and opportunities presented from EITAAP I would not be able to participate at the elite level,’ Toolis said.

Toolis has received five EITAAP grants since 2007, one for netball and four for athletics, and was recently selected in the Australian youth track and field team in the discipline of javelin.

She is also vice-captain of the Queensland under-17 netball team that took part in the Australian Championships in March this year and was invited by Netball Australia to attend the elite level training camp held at the Australian Institute of Sport in May.

 ‘The cost of international and interstate travel and accommodation is very expensive and without the assistance from EITAAP my success would be restricted,’ Toolis said.

‘The grants have allowed me to compete at an international level and travel to venues within Australia which stage the world qualifying events.

 ‘Without the funding I would not have been able to challenge myself and perform in a highly competitive environment contesting against the world’s best athletes.’

One of her proudest achievements was setting a new Australian javelin (under 16) record at an event where she was supported by EITAAP – the Australian All School Championship in Domain, Hobart held in December 2009 where she threw 47.41 metres, breaking the previous longstanding record by over two metres.

The program will also support Toolis in pursuing one of her goals, which is to compete in the World Youth Championships on at Lille, France, in July.

Toolis believes EITAAP is a great way to support Indigenous sportspeople to compete at the highest level.

‘The cost of sport at this level is very expensive and the best equipment is needed in order to be competitive. Team uniforms, levies and training expenses are also costly. Athletes need to compete regularly in good company so that they will improve.’

In the future Toolis hopes to perform at the top level possible in sport and possibly coach at the elite level.

EITAAP is an Australian Government initiative jointly funded by the Australian Sports Commission and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The program provides funding support for travel and accommodation for Indigenous sportspeople selected for mainstream national or international level championships.

Funding of up to $1500 per person for national events and $4000 for international events per financial year is currently available.

For more information, including program eligibility criteria and application forms, see the link below.