Having supported the program since 2021, TechnologyOne have extended their commitment to the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program (LEAP) until the end of 2028, bringing their total support of La Trobe’s student athletes to seven years.
TechnologyOne is Australia's largest enterprise SaaS (Software as a Service) provider, delivering all-in-one ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions to over 1,200 organisations, particularly in government, education, health and community services.
Over the last five years, TechnologyOne‑supported bursaries have helped more than 20 La Trobe student‑athletes to compete at national and international events, including world championships and competitions across Australia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Italy, South Korea and Belgium. Athletes have represented both La Trobe University and Australia across disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, cycling, equestrian and taekwondo.
TechnologyOne’s support of LEAP will see the organisation commit $50,000 over the next two years to support La Trobe’s high performance student athletes. The funding will be used to provide LEAP members with the financial backing and services they need to succeed in their academic and sporting pursuits.
La Trobe Sport Senior Manager Nick Lambert said the funding support provided by TechnologyOne makes the balancing act of sport and study commitments easier for La Trobe students.
“We are extremely pleased that TechnologyOne has committed for another two years to support our Elite Athlete Program,” Lambert said.
“This is a valued, long-standing partnership that has benefitted and supported a large array of La Trobe student athletes in their various commitments on and off the sporting arena.
“In addition to academic and pathway support, our Elite Athlete Program members are also eligible to apply for specific athlete scholarships and grants. The funding for these scholarships and grants simply isn’t possible without the support of TechnologyOne, and we are pleased that our athletes will continue to receive the financial assistance that enables them to cover travel expenses for national and international sporting events, purchase essential sporting equipment and meet the on-campus study requirements of their degree if they are based outside Victoria.”
Executive Vice President - Education at TechnologyOne, Mark Jones, said the organisation was proud to extend its support of the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program.
“TechnologyOne is proudly backing students through the moments that matter most," Jones said.
"Elite athletes face unique financial, academic and personal pressures. This partnership with La Trobe University helps remove barriers so students can focus on performing at their best – both in sport and in their studies.
“By investing in wellbeing and future capability, we’re supporting students’ success today while building the confidence, resilience and skills that will benefit them long after graduation."
For LEAP members Carlos Lai (Gymnastics, Master of Physiotherapy Practice) and Evie Kamevaar (Equestrian, Bachelor of Biomedical Science – Medical), the financial support provided by TechnologyOne in the form of bursaries and grants has lessened the burden of juggling commitments as an elite student athlete.
“The bursary has eased financial pressure, allowing me to focus on both my studies and elite gymnastics without distraction,” Lai said.
“It has enabled me to attend competitions and training camps I might not have been able to afford, reinforcing my commitment to excellence and helping me maintain balance between sport and study.”
Kamevaar added: “Receiving funding to compete at one of the largest international eventing competitions in Australia helped to support me getting there and relieve pressure of balancing work leading up to the event and exams.
“This meant I could spend some extra time training and studying which was beneficial for both my sport and my uni degree. I am grateful that there are people who are willing to support students to fulfil their passions whilst focusing on their studies.”
For more information on the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program, visit the La Trobe Sport website.
Main image: La Trobe Elite Athlete Program members Ella Gurry (Aerobics, Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science) and Thomas Reynolds (Athletics, Masters of Physiotherapy Practice) are among the cohort of La Trobe University students who benefit from the support of TechnologyOne.
