RPS has proudly partnered with 17-year-old Australian volleyballer Luka Sazdov under the mentorship of 5-time Beach Volleyball Olympian Natalie Cook and her incredible team. Luka's pursuit of the Aussie Athlete Fund One-Million-Dollar Challenge has only just begun. This ambitious challenge aims to partner 100 athletes with 100 businesses, with the goal of raising $10,000 for each athlete to pursue their passion within their sport.

Luka Sazdov, a 17-year-old elite beach and indoor volleyballer, has built an impressive record of achievements throughout his volleyball journey. As a 3-time Australian Beach Volleyball National Champion and a 2-time Australian Indoor Volleyball National Champion, Luka’s dedication and talent are unmistakable. Recently named Queensland’s Junior Beach Volleyball Male Player of the Year, Luka completed a successful stint of tournaments in America, which he plans to repeat this July. He holds a full sporting scholarship at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), where he helped secure the past two undefeated GPS volleyball premierships and a gold medal at the Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup, making history by leading the first-ever Churchie beach volleyball team to success. Remarkably, he has accomplished all this while actively managing the demanding pressures of Year 12, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest levels in Australia.

The Aussie Athlete Fund One-Million-Dollar Challenge is an opportunity for Luka to alleviate some of the financial pressures his family faces. With international tours coming up, Luka aims to represent Australia in both beach and indoor volleyball after being named in the U18 Australian volleyball squad. By raising $10,000, Luka hopes to cover some of the costs associated with his training, travel, and competitions, which can exceed $25,000 annually depending on the number of international tours.

Luka has faced numerous challenges that have shaped his passion for volleyball and his drive to succeed. Recently, his family has been through an incredibly tough time. Luka lives with his mother and two sisters. His mother, a true inspiration, was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer in December last year. Despite her illness, she continues to work tirelessly to support Luka’s volleyball career, making significant sacrifices.

Through these extreme challenges, his mother has always shown resilience, supporting Luka courtside at all his matches. Luka wants to relieve his mother of the financial burden it takes to compete at an elite level in Australia and repay her unwavering support by succeeding in the Aussie Athlete Fund challenge.

Luka’s mother’s resilience and dedication have been a source of motivation for him. The support from this challenge will not only enable Luka to continue pursuing his dreams but also celebrate the incredible strength of his mother. Your contribution will empower Luka and his family, enabling him to focus on his dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal.

This is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s an invaluable opportunity for athletes to alleviate the overwhelming costs and financial pressures of competing at an elite level in Australia. With Natalie’s Olympic success and mentorship, coupled with Blake's business expertise and Luka’s current achievements, we are confident in our mission to support his volleyball journey.

Your contribution will help Luka attain his dreams and represent Australia with pride. Any financial support would be greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible thanks to ASF.

I am also very grateful to be further supported by Blake Lawrence, founder of Clubfunders.

Please feel free to contact Luka via email at: Luka.sazdov07@gmail.com