Broome teenager, Michelle Ninyette, receives Variety Heart Scholarship for basketball
Michelle Ninyette, a 16-year-old Noongar girl originally from Perth, was awarded a scholarship through Variety — the Children's Charity of WA, which offers up to $4000 for kids aged 6 to 17 who are living with disadvantage, disability or a long-term health condition.
Michelle's passion is basketball.
She's been playing since she was in under-10s, and has competed with the Willeton Tigers in WABL, made it into State teams, and travelled across the country to compete, including at a national Indigenous tournament.
'I really enjoy playing basketball and played competitively for many years as well as competing in a National Indigenous Basketball Tournament,' she said.
'Recently, some hard times have meant I took a break from playing competitively, so right now I am just playing for fun, trying to get the joy and passion back into the game again.'
The Variety Heart Scholarship has helped ease the pressure of travel and training, including flights and accommodation for trials in Perth.
It's also gone toward new shoes, a passport and other costs ahead of an international trip to Singapore in October.
'This is the first time I have ever received a scholarship, so it has been such a great support,' Michelle said.
'Without it, it would have put a lot of pressure on my family and I couldn't have been able to achieve all that I would like to do.
'Right now I just want to enjoy the game and look forward to the opportunities that are ahead of me.
'I am grateful for scholarships like this one from Variety WA that are allowing me to focus on the game.'
Variety WA chief executive Chris Chatterton said this year saw a record number of applicants.
'In the 2025 round we received the highest number of applications for support ever recorded,' he said.
'We granted $180,000 to fund almost 70 remarkable children who will now have their competition fees, tuition, sports uniforms, costumes and equipment covered.'
Michelle joins a diverse group of recipients across the State, including award winners in dance, speed skating and music.
Applications for the 2026 round re-open on September 19.
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