Bond University has underlined its commitment to para-sports with the groundbreaking move to award the John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship to rising Aussie Steeler Liliana Prucha.
It marks the first time the scholarship has been awarded to a wheelchair rugby player.
Prucha, a key player for the Bull Sharks for the past two seasons, is a part of the Australian Wheelchair Rugby development squad that toured Japan last year.
In 2023 she made history as a member of the all-female side to represent Australia on a tour of New Zealand.
The 23-year-old has relocated from Perth to study a Bachelor of Data Analytics at Bond University and hopes to use her education to analyse data to find way to help para-athletes achieve their sporting goals.
“The John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship is a lifeline, allowing me to pursue my Paralympic dream while meeting my academic goals,” she said.
“This support will allow me to study hard and train even harder without compromising my well-being.’’
In 2022 Bond University broke new ground when Zoe Hanna became the first female recipient of the John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship.
The success of that decision inspired Bond University Rugby Club patron Terry Jackman to increase his commitment ensuring the University now awards a scholarship annually to both a male and female recipient.
Director of Sport Mike Collins said Bond University was committed to awarding its sporting scholarships to the best candidates and he was delighted that Prucha had applied.
“Liliana was the standout candidate, she earned this scholarship on merit and we are excited to see how she progresses with her ambitions of competing in the Paralympics,” he said.
“We also hope that she inspires more para-athletes to apply for some of the scholarship the University offers.”
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said Prucha was a dedicated athlete who would leave no stone unturned in her quest to reach the Paralympics.
“Since her first involvement with wheelchair rugby, Lilliana has demonstrated outstanding ability, tenacity and dedication to her training and career as a wheelchair rugby athlete,” he said.
“We are very thankful to Bond University for not only recognising Lilliana’s talent and application towards her sport, but for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting para-athletes through providing this opportunity to a wheelchair rugby athlete for the first time.
“We look forward to seeing Lilliana’s continued development at Bond University through the John Eales Rugby Excellence scholarship
To learn more about Liliana Prucha read Matt Webber's excellent piece for the Thinking Steps.