Vic Country Scholarship Winner Announced

Emily Kearns with fellow Bendigo East Swimmers in their Funkita and Funky Trunks gear

Funkita would like to congratulate Bendigo East Swimmer Emily Kearns as the winner of the 2020 Victorian Country Assistance Scholarship. As a part of the scholarship, Kearns will receive $1,000 worth of Funky Trunks and Funkita product as well as $500 cash to assist with expenses associated with competitive swimming such as travel, accommodation and competition entry fees.

Kearns has her eyes firmly set on making finals at the 2020 Age Nationals which will be held in Western Australia this April and will use the money from the Victorian Country Assistance Scholarship to help support this goal. Though competitive swimming in regional Victoria has its challenges, Kearns is positive about her experience with Bendigo East.

"The swimmers in my club are close friends as well as team mates. Everyone is supportive of each other in their swimming no matter their age. This also extends to the wider Country Victorian Community where other swimmers from other clubs are just as supportive of each other. My favourite event of the swimming calendar is the Victorian Country Championships as I get to catch up with swimmers from other clubs who I have formed friendships with."

Kearns will compete at the Victorian Open Championships this coming weekend at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in the Women's 50m Backstroke alongside fellow Bendigo East swimmer and F-Teamer Layla Day.

Applications for the 2021 Victorian Country Assistance Scholarship will open in December of this year.