July 2024
Coastal rowing, darts, highland dancing, judo, roller hockey, and softball were represented in the second round of applications to the Mitre 10 MEGA Whanganui Future Champions Trust for 2024.
The aim of the Trust is to give Whanganui people and businesses an opportunity to support our talented sporting youth with a hand up to reach their full potential at international level.
“For many young athletes, participation at the age-group level is self-funded and often involves significant expenses which typically fall on the athletes and their parents to cover.
“It is an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to give funding to help these hard-working young people to achieve their sporting goals. It is especially poignant as we are about to cheer on our NZ team at the 2024 Paris Olympics which includes previous FCT recipients such as kayaker Max Brown, and rower Jackie Gowler,” said Trust representative, Philippa Baker-Hogan.
Recipients announced for this funding round were:
To date, almost $100,000 has been granted to 73 talented young sportspeople since the Future Champions Trust was formed more than a decade ago. The funding comes from local businesses and individuals and aims to assist talented up and coming athletes to compete internationally and progress in their chosen sports.
Funding can cover costs to travel to international events, flights and team accommodation, coaching, competition entry fees, uniforms, insurance, and daily expense while overseas.
Naming sponsor Hayden Gibson of Mitre 10 MEGA Whanganui said “We are proud to be part of our community and supporting young people who are representing us with pride. Seeing several past recipients representing NZ at the Olympics truly shows we are successful at assisting our young people to achieve greatness on the world stage.”
“We look forward to watching these young athletes as they represent in their respective sports.”
Athletes interested in applying for funding support are encouraged to visit the Trust’s website to assess the criteria for the fund, and to download an application form. Funding rounds are held three times a year in February, June, and October. The next funding round closes on 31 October 2024.
The Trust is thankful for the generous support from Mitre 10 MEGA Whanganui, Arthur Wheeler Leedstown Trust, Shane Stone Builders, Sport Whanganui, Wanganui Lions Club, Inferno Design & Digital and the many local businesses and individual donors who have provided support over the years.
Support from the community is always welcome, with businesses and individuals particularly invited to join ‘the $250 club’. Interested people can get in touch with us here.
The Trust will host a fundraising lawn bowls tournament on Friday 18 October at Aramoho Bowling Club, to increase the funds available for young athletes. The afternoon will feature raffles, a sausage sizzle, and an auction of sporting memorabilia. Teams of three can register here or contact Sport Whanganui on 06 349 2300 for more information.
