:: Jessica Watson joins Layne Beachley's Aim for the Stars Foundation

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Following her amazing solo voyage around the world Jessica Watson (pictured right) is joining forces with Layne Beachley (pictured left) to encourage others to follow their passions. The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation was created to inspire girls and women across Australia to dream and achieve and in the 6 years since its creation has helped over 170 females to pursue their goals.

On May 15, Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around part of the world. In the process, Jessica hoped to inspire young sailors, adventurers and everyone with a dream in their heart.

Jessica said, “I am thrilled to partner with ‘The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation’ The Foundation aligns so perfectly with my own beliefs that you can achieve great things if you believe in your dream and work hard to achieve it. Aim for the Stars encourages and inspires dedicated and committed girls and women across Australia to dream and achieve. I am excited and privileged to support them.”

Having secured 7 world surfing titles Layne Beachley understands the financial pressures of following your dreams, so she set out to establish a foundation offering assistance for those who need some extra help to achieve their ambitions. Layne said, It is a hard task to be the best at your chosen aspiration when you are busy trying to supplement your income or do your school work. Jessica is a true inspiration, someone who had the determination to live her dream and aim for the stars!”

The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation was built to prevent girls and women alike from having to go through this same amount of adversity. The goal of the Foundation is to encourage, motivate and provide for all aspiring women. Extending beyond the realm of sport to include cultural, community and academic pursuits, the foundation will financially support applicants who wish to reach the highest pinnacle in her chosen arena. The Foundations support gives females the opportunity to maintain a determined focus on their goal, to achieve their dreams earlier in life and allow them to further their ambitions and aim for the stars.

In 2010 the foundation has again helped many young women dare to dream. Joanne Brigden Jones is a Sprint Kayak champion, who is planning to represent Australia at the Olympic Games in 2012. Despite her disadvantaged background Sasha Murray has been accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy after using her grant to attend auditions in the US. Arielle Tickner-Smith is a rurally isolated student who before Aim for the Stars was travelling 4 hours a day to attend the John Monash Science School. Arielle is using her grant to cover local accommodation cost so she spends less time travelling and more time studying. Hannah Steppings Canon is now the top youth Latin dancer in Australia and Deanna Lockett has her sights set on Speed Skating for Australia at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Have a dream but need some assistance to achieve it…
Applications for 2011 grants are now open and the Foundation would like to invite girls and women across Australia to apply. An opportunity exists for talented females striving to achieve their goals. Grants close November 12 2010. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation, to deserving applicants who meet the criteria and best demonstrate their aspirations to further their education and or personal development.

Interested persons can get additional information by referring to the website