Neville Sillitoe Foundation Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications for Emerging Sprinters

The Neville Sillitoe Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering a boost to Australia’s next generation of elite sprinters.

Established to honour the legacy of the late Neville Sillitoe OAM, the legendary coach behind Peter Norman’s enduring 200m national record, the foundation will award up to ten scholarships this year to athletes demonstrating exceptional potential on and off the track.

The initiative, managed through The Athletics International (AI) Trust, provides each recipient with a AUD5,000 grant. The funding is designed to support athletes in balancing their high-performance training with educational or vocational pursuits.

Commenting on the opening of the scholarship application, Neville Sillitoe Foundation, said: “The aim of these scholarships is to provide support for athletes to achieve their athletic, educational and working life potential.” 

Launching the 2026 round on Peter Norman Day, the scholarship serves as a recognisable tribute to the special bond between coach and athlete that Sillitoe embodied throughout his distinguished 60-year coaching career at the East Melbourne Harriers and Caulfield Grammar School.

Sillitoe, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 96, was a lifelong advocate for the holistic development of athletes, often investing his own resources to ensure his students reached their “working life potential.”

To be eligible for the 2026 intake, applicants must be Australian citizens aged 18 or older and actively competing in the 100m, 200m, or 400m disciplines.

The organisation is specifically seeking “promising sprinters” who can demonstrate a multi-season commitment to the sport and a clear trajectory toward elite status. Critically, candidates must also be enrolled in at least a 50% study load or be engaged in part-time or full-time employment, reflecting Sillitoe’s belief in the importance of a balanced career path.

The scholarship is distributed in two instalments, contingent upon the submission of a progress report. Upon completion, holders are required to provide a final report and, where practical, deliver a presentation at an AI function.

Applications for the 2026 Neville Sillitoe Foundation Scholarships close on Monday, 16 March 2026.

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