Stephanie Bruzzese
Stephanie Bruzzese – Local Para Champion making waves across the country
Stephanie Bruzzese is making a splash in national swimming competitions across Australia and already has her sights set on the next Paralympic Games.
The 15-year-old from Ashfield, NSW who scored a whopping 13 medals from both the 2022 Australian Age and School Sport Australia Swimming Championships this year, has been selected to represent Australia at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games – an international swimming competition for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Stephanie is extremely passionate about the sport and is motivated to train hard to take her swimming career to the next level,” Stephanie’s mother Sonia explained.
“I love the swimming environment, being around people and travelling to different places. My aim is to make the Paris 2024 Paralympic games,” Stephanie said.
A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Para Champions (LPC) program, Stephanie is one of many young athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.
“If it wasn’t for the grant Stephanie wouldn’t be able to compete in multiple competitions every year,” Sonia said.
“For each competition we pay for flights, accommodation, car hire and entry fees. We are so lucky to have received the grant. It really makes a difference.”
The LPC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 24 years, who participate in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability. Successful applicants receive between $750 and $1000 toward the cost of attending their championships.
For more information on the LPC program visit the ASC website.
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