TechnologyOne has renewed its sponsorship of La Trobe University's Elite Athlete Program, extending a partnership that began in 2021.
The renewed agreement centres on TechnologyOne's contribution to La Trobe's Elite Athlete Support Fund, which helps students cover training, travel and competition costs while completing their degrees. More than 20 student-athletes have received bursaries backed by the company over the past five years.
Those students have competed at national and international events, including world championships and competitions in Australia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Italy, South Korea and Belgium. Athletes supported through the program have represented both La Trobe and Australia in sports including athletics, gymnastics, cycling, equestrian and taekwondo.
The partnership targets a longstanding challenge for elite athletes in higher education, many of whom must balance study with demanding training schedules, international travel and competition costs. The fund is intended to reduce the need for outside work and ease financial pressure during periods of intense sporting and academic commitment.
The sponsorship forms part of TechnologyOne's broader community investment, focused on student wellbeing, resilience and preparation for work after university. La Trobe's program is designed to help athletes manage the academic, personal and financial pressures that can come with high-level sport.
Mark Jones, Executive Vice President - Education at TechnologyOne, said the renewal reflected that commitment.
"TechnologyOne is proudly backing students through the moments that matter most. 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," said Mark Jones, Executive Vice President - Education, TechnologyOne.
He added: "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."
Student support
The funding has had a direct effect on students who receive it, particularly those balancing overseas competition with exam periods and regular coursework. According to La Trobe's sport division, the bursaries have helped athletes stay engaged with their studies while continuing to compete at a high level.
Nick Lambert, Senior Manager, La Trobe Sport, said the funding had expanded the program's reach.
"This funding has enabled dozens of student-athletes to represent La Trobe University and Australia on national and international stages, while easing financial pressure so they can focus on performing at their best - academically and athletically," said Nick Lambert, Senior Manager, La Trobe Sport, La Trobe University.
Two athletes supported through the program described the practical effect of the bursaries on their routines.
Matthew Holdich, a distance running student studying for a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, said the support reduced the amount of paid work he needed to take on while training.
"Juggling work, study and training isn't easy, but the bursary eased my financial stress and allowed me to reduce my work hours. That meant more time for training and study, which helped me perform at the Australian Track and Field Championships. Support like this is incredibly motivating and plays a big role in helping athletes pursue their goals," said Matthew Holdich, Distance Running Student, La Trobe University.
Evie Kamevaar, an equestrian student studying for a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, said the funding helped during a period when competition commitments overlapped with exams.
"The support helped me compete at a major international event while balancing exams. It meant less time worrying about work and more time training and studying. Knowing there's a company willing to support students pursuing their sport and study dreams is incredibly motivating," said Evie Kamevaar, Equestrian Student, La Trobe University.
The renewed sponsorship preserves a funding stream that has supported La Trobe student-athletes across multiple disciplines and countries while they continued their university studies.