Ash Barty reveals how Aussie teens can score $3K with Optus Inspiration Grant

New mum Ash Barty has revealed how Aussie teenagers can score thousands of dollars of grants and kick start their path to success. See how to enter.

Tennis champion Ash Barty hopes Australian teenagers will seek out “what truly inspires them” in their bid to win thousands of dollars worth of grant money to help them pursue their dreams.

Australians aged 13 to 19 years old have been encouraged go for gold like the Matildas and turn their dreams into reality with Optus’ national Inspiration Grants initiative worth $192,000.

Optus, the official supporter and broadcaster of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, is awarding 64 inspiration grants, each valued at $3000, to teenagers all over the country. The number 64 was chosen to celebrate the 64 matches that will be broadcast live and on demand via Optus Sport.

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Before retiring, Ash Barty was the world number 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

“I hope young athletes seek what truly inspires them – the love for the game, the camaraderie with teammates, or the thrill of pushing your limits,” Barty, who is also Optus’ Chief of Inspiration, said.

“My own journey has taught me to find fulfilment from the process, not the results, and to enjoy every moment.

“The Optus Inspiration Grant is a chance to help find what drives you and kick start your path to success.

“Dream big, and believe you can make your dreams happen.”

Aussie teenagers don’t have to just be interested in sports to apply for the grant – their passion can lie in disciplines like arts, science, and more.

The grant can be used for anything, such as equipment or lessons, to help young Aussies get one step closer to their dreams.

Go for gold like the Matildas. Picture: David Gray/AFP

“For young Australians, we want to help remove some of the daunting challenges teenagers face when making decisions about their future dreams, with financial burdens being a key barrier,” Cam Luby, Head of Consumer Marketing at Optus, said.

“Our Inspiration Grants program is there to help young people from all over Australia kickstart their dreams and realise their full potential.”

The moment his foot hit the pedal for the first time, Daniel Ricciardo knew he belonged in racing. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images.

Racing superstar and Optus’ Chief of Optimism, Daniel Ricciardo, recalled his dreams of getting into F1 as a teen.

“Ever since I can remember I had dreamt of being in Formula 1. The moment my foot hit the pedal for the first time, I knew this was where I belonged. It was such an awesome feeling,” he said.

“Through their Inspiration Grants, Optus is giving 64 young people across Australia a kick-start to help them achieve their dreams – whatever that may be. And let me tell you, if you can take that opportunity and use it to your advantage, something like this could change your life.”

As part of the application, teenagers need to answer: “What future goal are you inspired to say yes to, and how would this grant help you achieve this goal?”

Applications close Sunday, August 20, as the FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to a close.

To apply, visit optus.com.au/grants.