Amelia Foundation Scholarships 2026

The Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation (AMASDF), is pleased to announce the eight winners of the 2026 Amelia Foundation Scholarships.

The AMASDF is recognised and commended throughout the Snowsports community for its contribution and support of up-and-coming athletes. The Foundation operates as a Trust Fund within Snow Australia and has a small, dedicated committee.

The AMASDF was established by Cathy & Sam McGuiness in 2010, in honour and memory of their daughter Amelia McGuiness, a gifted and talented athlete and student who passed in a tragic ski accident in 2009. The foundation is dedicated to supporting developing athletes that have shown commitment to their training and their sport, as they move through the pathway to become an elite Snowsports athlete.

Of note is that thirteen members of the 2026 Winter Olympic Team from NSW, ACT & VIC were recipients of AMASDF Scholarships during their formative years, across six disciplines – Alpine GS, Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, Moguls, Cross Country, and PARA Snowboard.

Over the past 17 years, the AMASDF has awarded $241,110.00 in Snowsports Scholarships to young athletes. This has been achieved through the ongoing support of schools, the resorts, families, individuals, and the business community. Currently, AMASDF funds are primarily generated through the well supported annual Time Trial events, and through the generosity of key supporters, including the Wagga Ski Club located in Falls Creek.

In 2026, the AMASDF has an objective to announce two rounds of scholarship recipients, aligned with two major fund-raising activities. The first round of scholarship announcements comes following an application process involving athletes who participated in last year’s Amelia Time-Trial Event at Falls Creek. The AMASDF Committee reviewed all applications, with eight athletes selected for 2026 Scholarships. The recipients were presented their scholarships at the Falls Creek Amelia Time-Trial Award Presentation on the 27^th July, and included:

• Claire Shannon
• Evelyn Brown
• Gemma Kemp
•  Jarrah McKechnie
• Jack Kemp
• Sam Svarc
• Sophie Joyce-Berndt
• Violet Livesay

AMELIA Foundation Time Trial TWO - Perisher, Friday August 28

The foundation's largest fundraiser makes a welcome return to the Perisher Resort on Friday 28^th August.

This Amelia Time Trial Event is open to all school-aged children, plus adults. OF NOTE in our return to Perisher for 2026, we are endeavouring to encourage the fun, involvement, and fund-raising objective of the Time-Trial Events, with a “Ski V’s Snowboard” approach in our results & awards process. Accordingly, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can compete in EITHER the Alpine and Snowboard Giant Slalom, OR the Ski and Snowboard Cross Event. To enter this year’s event, please go the Event Entry page at Amelia McGuiness Memorial Time Trials

As in previous years, all proceeds from this Perisher Event will go to the 2026/27 Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation Scholarship Program, along with other income from future fund-raising activities planned for 2026. It is anticipated that a new Scholarship Application process open to all up-and-coming winter Snowsports athletes from the age of 10 to 19 years old, across all disciplines, including Para Winter athletes, will commence either late in 2026, or early 2027.