Four gifted Newcastle surfers have been given huge boosts to achieve their dreams of making the World Surf League (WSL).
Philippa Anderson, Amelie Bourke, Ellie Lambkin and Logan Dalton are the first recipients of the inaugural Meg Purser Pathway Program, a crowd-funding initiative to help local youngsters reach the top of their chosen sport.
It’s open to Hunter residents (Newcastle, Port Stephens or Lake Macquarie LGAs) who have a WSL pro junior, Qualification Series (QS), Challenger Series (CS) or Championship Tour (CT) athlete rating.
The scheme also recognises the tireless and unselfish work the late businesswoman, who died from cancer in 2021, did for many women in the community.
“Surfest was one of Meg’s passions,” said the driving force behind the event’s crowd-funding campaign, Col Law, at the Merewether Surfhouse on Tuesday 20 September.
“She had a long history with the competition.
“And, she was instrumental in the success of the women’s pro crowd-funding initiative to ensure prizemoney parity.
“Through the enormous generosity of people, we raised $30,000 at our cocktail party earlier this year.
“So, Meg would be proud of where this is at [today].”
Anderson, who will soon head to Portugal, Brazil and Hawaii, is eager to re-join the WSL – and admitted the funding would assist her greatly in her long-term quest.
“I am blown away by the support,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It really means a lot to me and, of course, helps me out financially so much.
“I, along with the other girls, hope we can carry on Meg’s legacy.
“It’s a terrific program – and being selected gives us a nice kick along.
“I’m honoured to be a part of it.”
Bourke, Lambkin and Dalton expressed their gratitude towards the initiative, too.
“It’s such a surprise but one I’m grateful for,” the former said.
“To be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I got the phone call.”
“I’m completely overwhelmed and appreciate the funding,” Dalton chipped in.
“I want to thank those involved and I can’t believe the generosity of the Meg Purser Pathway Program.”
“I am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity,” Lambkin added.
“Meg Purser sounds like she was an amazing person and played a significant part in women’s sport in the Hunter.
“I’m humbled to be chosen as a recipient.”
Surfest director Warren Smith said the organisation was thrilled to partner with the Meg Purser Pathway Program.
“We’re delighted to be connected with a concept that adopts Surfest’s crowd-funding initiative to raise funds for the women’s pro event,” he stated.
“I can’t wait for the next recipients to be named at Surfest 2023 in March.
“Surfest has been running for more than three decades and our prizemoney parity acknowledges the importance of women competing at the event.”
