Before she was an Olympian, Bendere Oboya was a young girl with big dreams, limited resources and a deep love for running.

Sport changed her life but she understands how difficult the pathway can be. She did not grow up with access to free coaching, funded uniforms or financial support. She knows what it feels like when talent exists, but opportunity feels out of reach.

The Oboya Foundation was established because Bendere never had that support but she is determined to ensure the next generation does.

The foundation proudly carries her family name, a reminder of where she comes from and the young people she is committed to supporting.

The foundation creates safe, structured environments where young people can move, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

It delivers free weekly coaching sessions year-round, removing financial barriers for families impacted by rising living costs. It hosts community athletics carnivals to create consistent opportunities for participation and competition. After successfully delivering its first carnival, the foundation aims to host one more in its first year.

Through its grant program, young people facing financial barriers can apply for funding to cover competition fees, uniforms, registration and development costs - ensuring that finances are never the reason a child misses out.

But this work is about more than sport.

It is about making sure young people have something to run towards, not run from.

It is about building confidence and self-belief.

It is about giving young people a positive outlet for their time and energy.

When access is limited, young people can be pulled towards negative influences. Structured sport, mentorship and community provide a powerful pathway toward discipline, confidence and long-term opportunity.

The goal is not to create the next Olympian.

The goal is to create access.

Confidence.

Belonging.

In its first year, with community support, the Oboya Foundation will:

– Deliver free weekly coaching sessions year-round

– Support 20 young athletes per community through funded grants, scaling this number as community support grows

– Host two community athletics carnivals

The vision is clear.

The work has already begun.

The impact is growing.

With your support, this work will grow - starting in Melbourne and expanding across Australia. Every dollar directly funds access to coaching, competition and equipment for young people facing financial barriers. Together, we can ensure talent is never limited by circumstances.