Three young Australian organ transplant recipients will be able to pursue their sporting dreams thanks to Transplant Australia and the Matty Hempstalk ‘Live The Dream’ Scholarship Program.
The athletes have all faced huge setbacks in life however due to organ and tissue donation and the generosity of someone else, together with perseverance and the steadfast support of their families, they are now able to participate in sport at a level they never thought possible.
The ‘Live the Dream’ Scholarship was established in honour of Matty Hempstalk, a beloved member of the transplant community and former Transplant Australia Sport Manager. He lived life with passion, humour, and an unwavering love of sport. Matty believed in embracing every opportunity – values this scholarship proudly celebrates. Sadly, Matty passed away unexpectedly in 2022.
The Scholarship, with an annual total of $5,000, supports young transplant recipients to participate in the sporting event of their choice — from international competitions to local championships — and can be used for a range of associated costs including travel, accommodation, uniforms and sporting equipment.
Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
Shinique Kleynhans, 14, from Western Australia, received a heart and lung transplant and has embraced sport and community since her surgery.
The scholarship will help her attend the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany.
“Going to Europe would be a dream come true as I get to see this wonderful place full of history and culture. I can’t wait to meet other teenagers from around the world with not only the same challenges as me, but also the same dreams.”
Robbie Yates, 16, from Queensland, lives with chronic pain and complications post-liver transplant but finds strength through his transplant community and sport.
He’s determined to participate in the year’s World Transplant Games in Germany, not just to compete, but to connect.
“It is about friendship, belonging, pride, motivation and increasing awareness of organ donation. Competing at the Games therefore not only helps me, but hopefully I can help others as well.”
Jesse Wilson, 16, from Western Australia, underwent two liver transplants in three days but now dreams of becoming a professional soccer goalkeeper. He trains tirelessly and contributes to his sporting expenses by officiating senior games.
He’ll use his scholarship to continue training and representing Albany at the State Country Football Competition.
“Soccer is my lifeline. I love everything about it and if I could play as a professional goalie, that would be my dream.”
Transplant Australia CEO, Mr Chris Thomas, said the scholarship was just one way, Matty’s legacy would be remembered throughout the Australian and world transplant community.
“Matty’s passion was sport. But not just for himself. He was instrumental in establishing the Australian Transplant Football Club and was a promising young sports star himself before kidney disease. However two transplants later, you could still see his skills on the sporting field. It was wonderful he was able to share this passion with so many other people, Mr Thomas said.
There were six applicants for the scholarship with a selection panel consisting of Transplant Australia’s Chris Thomas (CEO), Kate Clark (Manager – Programs and Operations), and Emmy O’Neill (Manager – Sport and Participation). The final recommendations were endorsed by the Transplant Australia Sport Advisory Group Chair, Michelle Daley.
The scholarship will be awarded annually. Donations to support next year’s winners can be made at: Matty Hempstalk ‘Live the Dream’ Scholarship
For further information email contactus@transplant.org.au
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