A helping hand for the next generation of promising athletes from Whanganui Iwi is open again with Tupoho Whānau Trust opening nominations for their 2016/2017 sports scholarships.
First created in 2013, the Tupoho scholarships are to "provide support to rangatahi in the pursuit of their national and international sporting aspirations and careers".
They are given out to four recipients every year - so far 12 athletes of Whanganui Iwi descent have received the scholarship, covering a variety of sports from rugby and basketball to snow boarding and waka ama.
The Tupoho trust has partnered with Sport Whanganui and Inspire Whanganui trust to increase the access to sports support services.
Therefore, this year the Tupoho Sports Scholarship recipients will receive a $500 cash grant, a six month gym membership at Inspire Health & Fitness, and membership to the regional Promising Athletes Programme (PAP).
Sport Whanganui run PAP locally - helping condition young athletes aged between 15-18 years and their coaches.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be aged 15-20 and descendants of Whanganui Iwi, mai i te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa.