Three outstanding Gold Coast students have earned the chance to compete against some of the world's brightest young minds at Yale University this November, and OMF is stepping up to help make their dream a reality.
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND: Local students Kelsey, Lucy and Amy are preparing to represent the Gold Coast and Australia at the prestigious World Scholar's Cup Tournament of Champions, held at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, from 12–18 November 2026.
Their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After topping the Gold Coast Regional Round, the three students travelled to Christchurch, New Zealand, to compete against talented young scholars from around the world at the international Global Round.
There, they achieved outstanding results as both a team and as individuals, earning an invitation to the World Scholar's Cup's ultimate event: the Tournament of Champions at Yale.
Now, with the support of OMF (Original Mattress & Furniture) and Sleep Fast Not Furious (SFNF), the three young Australians are one step closer to taking on the world's best.
From the Gold Coast to One of the World's Most Prestigious Universities
The World Scholar's Cup is an internationally recognised academic competition that challenges students across a broad range of disciplines, including science, history, literature, social studies, the arts and critical thinking.
Unlike traditional exams, the competition celebrates teamwork, creativity, communication, debate and the ability to think beyond the classroom.
Students compete in four major events:
- Team Debate
- Collaborative Writing
- Scholar's Challenge
- Scholar's Bowl
The Tournament of Champions at Yale is the pinnacle of the competition's annual calendar. Entry isn't automatic: students must qualify through international Global Rounds that bring together high-achieving teams from around the world.
For Kelsey, Lucy and Amy, reaching this level is an extraordinary accomplishment, and a chance to compete, collaborate and learn alongside some of the most talented young students internationally.
When Opportunity Knocks, Community Steps Up
To keep their dream alive, Kelsey, Lucy and Amy and their supporters have set up an independent GoFundMe campaign to help cover the significant costs of international travel, accommodation and competition entry.
Recognising their achievement and determination, OMF and Sleep Fast Not Furious have committed sponsorship to support the three students on their journey.
An OMF/SFNF spokesperson said:
"These three young women have done something extraordinary. They've competed locally, taken on international competitors in New Zealand, and earned the right to represent their community and Australia at one of the world's most prestigious academic events. That is an achievement worth celebrating.
At OMF and SFNF, we believe hard work, ambition and determination deserve to be recognised and supported, so our young people can keep dreaming big.
Kelsey, Lucy and Amy have already proven they have the talent to compete with the best. Now it's about making sure they get the opportunity to do exactly that.
We're incredibly proud to support them, and we hope the wider community will get behind them too."
Help Send the Girls to Yale
With the Tournament of Champions fast approaching, the students are still raising funds to make their trip possible.
OMF and Sleep Fast Not Furious are encouraging local businesses, community groups and individuals to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign. Every contribution, big or small, brings the students closer to representing the Gold Coast and Australia on the world stage.
Three students. One extraordinary opportunity. A chance to take on the world's best.
Let's show Kelsey, Lucy and Amy what the Gold Coast community can do when we get behind our own.
Support Their Journey
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-get-to-yale-university-for-the-world-scholars-cup
About OMF (Original Mattress & Furniture)
OMF is an Australian mattress and bedroom furniture retailer committed to exceptional value, quality sleep products and outstanding customer service. With 50+ stores across Australia's eastern states, OMF is passionate about supporting the communities it operates in.
Website: omf.com.au
About Sleep Fast Not Furious (SFNF)
Sleep Fast Not Furious is an Australian community-driven initiative that combines a love of cars with an important road safety message: Mates Don't Let Mates Drive Tired.
Through automotive events, community partnerships and education, SFNF promotes fatigue awareness, safer driving and positive community engagement.
Website: https://www.omf.com.au/pages/omf-sleep-fast-not-furious-campaign
Media Enquiries
OMF / Sleep Fast Not Furious
Email: customerservice@omf.net.au
