Cheyne wins first USQ Elite Athlete Scholarship

Champion Australian snowboarder Cheyne Southwell has been awarded the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) first elite athlete scholarship.

Awarded to a student with a high level of achievement who is enrolled in USQ's Elite Athlete Program, the scholarship is valued at $1000.

Cheyne recently completed his first year of Engineering (mechanical), studying externally from Brisbane and applied after hearing a friend mention the scholarships.

'I was talking to a friend who was also going to USQ and she said she applies for scholarships every year, so I thought I would give it a go.

'I was a little surprised when I found out I'd won. I've been injured this year which meant I could put extra time into my studies.'

The money for the scholarship will go towards travel and living expenses in the United States when Cheyne travels over for the start of the snowboard season in January.

'I'll be living in Lake Tahoe on a six-month visa. I usually go over for six months and do the US season before returning to Australia for the season back here.

'The circuit over there is very competitive, not many Australians do that well. You get a few openings for a few competitions but because it is so competitive you have to be invited.

'I'll just try and snowboard every day, and go over my jumps and try and take lots of photos and get in a few snowboarding films to keep the sponsors happy.'

Co-ordinator of USQ's Elite Athlete Program Sharon Brabon said Cheyne was awarded the scholarship because of his strong academic record through his first year of study.

'Cheyne won because his application addressed the selection criteria really well and he had a consistent enrolment record with good results.'

The scholarship will now be awarded annually to a student enrolled in the University's Elite Athlete Program. Ms Brabon said she hopes to eventually create more scholarships to support elite athletes at USQ.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559