DARE TO DREAM
Every Champion Starts Somewhere.
This is Somewhere.
About Program
ONE PROGRAM.
ONE TEAM.
$70,000 BEHIND EVERY ATHLETE
sTART YOUR JOURNEYWhat is Grow for Gold?
Follow your dream
Grow for Gold is a bold, community-driven initiative that identifies and supports a team of four elite young Gold Coast athletes — providing $10,000 per year over seven years, totalling $70,000 per athlete.
Our PartnersAge Requirement
Applicants must be aged between 11 and 21 as of 1st July 2025.
That is, the applicant’s date of birth must fall between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2014 inclusive.
Citizenship & Residency REQUIREMENT
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a humanitarian visa.
Must live and train predominantly within the City of Gold Coast during the program.
Note: Temporary relocation for national camps or elite training is permitted, provided your primary residential address remains within the Gold Coast Local Government Area.
sPORT REQUIREMENT
You must compete in a sport that will be contested at the 2032 Olympic or Paralympic Games.
pERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT
Applicants must demonstrate a clear goal to become an Olympian or Paralympian.
fINANCIAL nEED REQUIREMENT
Priority will be given to athletes who face financial barriers to participating in elite-level competition.
Our Ambassadors
Ella Sabljak
Ella Sabljak
"Paralympian | Inclusive Sport Champion | Athlete Commission member"
Ella Sabljak is a dual-sport star who has represented Australia in both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby at the highest level. After captaining the Under-25 national team to silver at two World Championships, she fulfilled her dream at the Tokyo 2020 Games in wheelchair basketball with the Gliders. In 2022, she switched codes to wheelchair rugby — and made an immediate impact, helping the Aussie Steelers win World Championship gold in Denmark. A fierce competitor and natural leader, Ella played a key role in securing the Steelers’ qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where they went on to win bronze in a thrilling match against Great Britain.
Off the court, Ella is equally passionate about education and advocacy. A qualified teacher, she now works with Paralympics Australia as Education Manager and serves on multiple athlete commissions, including WADA and IWBF. Ella’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and unshakable belief in what’s possible.
Natalie Cook OAM OLY
Natalie Cook OAM OLY
"Five-Time Olympian | Olympic Gold & Bronze Medallist | Athlete Advocate & Sport Strategist"
Natalie Cook OLY OAM is a trailblazer in Australian sport and the first Australian woman to compete at five Olympic Games. A beach volleyball icon, Nat won bronze in the sport’s Olympic debut in Atlanta 1996, before claiming gold on home soil at Sydney 2000 in a historic victory on Bondi Beach. Across two decades, she became the only beach volleyball athlete — male or female — to reach medal matches in the first three Olympic Games.
Beyond the sand, Nat has dedicated her life to empowering athletes. She is the founder of the Aussie Athlete Fund, a groundbreaking initiative focused on creating financial sustainability and career pathways for current and future Australian representatives. A respected sport strategist and director, Nat brings unmatched experience, passion and leadership to the Grow for Gold program — inspiring the next generation to chase greatness, give back, and build lasting legacies beyond the field of play.
Brooke Hanson OAM OLY
Brooke Hanson OAM OLY
"Olympic Gold & Silver Medallist | Motivational Speaker | Health & Wellbeing Advocate"
Brooke Hanson OLY OAM is one of Australia’s most inspiring swimming champions.
After narrowly missing selection for the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, she achieved her dream at the 2004 Athens Games, winning silver in the 100m breaststroke and gold in the 4×100m medley relay.
Her determination and perseverance culminated later that year at the FINA World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis, where she made history by winning six gold medals, including five individual titles and a world record in the 4×100m medley relay.
Over her career, Brooke amassed more than 25 medals at major international championships, representing Australia over 25 times. Now a motivational speaker and advocate for healthy living, Brooke continues to inspire Australians with her story of resilience, passion, and excellence in sport.
Over her career, Brooke amassed more than 25 medals at major international championships, representing Australia over 25 times. Now a motivational speaker and advocate for healthy living, Brooke continues to inspire Australians with her story of resilience, passion, and excellence in sport.
Brooke is also the Brand Ambassador and MC at Sports Gold Coast’s prestigious Gold Coast Sports Awards.
Sponsorship
Grow for Gold is proudly powered by Sports Gold Coast, the city’s leading not-for-profit championing sporting opportunity, excellence, and community connection.
Here goes your text ... Select any part of your text to access the formatting toolbar.
Here goes your text ... Select any part of your text to access the formatting toolbar.
Here goes your text ... Select any part of your text to access the formatting toolbar.
The Team Behind the Dream
Follow your dream
It takes more than talent to grow for gold. Meet the visionaries, funders, and support systems making this dream possible.
learn moresports gold coast
Sports Gold Coast is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to strengthening sport across our region through advocacy, leadership, and legacy projects. We connect business with sport and collaborate with government, education, and industry to support local and regional athletes. Sports Gold Coast is the driving force behind Grow for Gold — championing opportunity, excellence, and lasting legacy.
Aussie athlete fund
Founded by Olympian Nat Cook OAM, the Aussie Athlete Fund helps young athletes overcome financial barriers and build sustainable futures.
The Fund empowers athletes and their families with fundraising education and connects them to supportive businesses and individuals.
With many elite athletes earning below the poverty line — especially in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities — the Fund ensures talent is never held back by finances.
Personalised growth plans
Lorem ipsum dolor ist amte, consectetuer adipiscing eilt. Aenean commodo ligula egget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quak felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quid, sem.
