BayTrust Scholarships format change to increase opportunities for local sporting community

Amy Robinson - a previous recipient of the BayTrust Athlete Scholarship. Photo/supplied

The annual BayTrust Athlete and Coach Scholarships have changed to provide new opportunities for sporting officials, athletes and coaches.

Sport Bay of Plenty community coaching advisor Shan Jensen-Loach said the scholarships aimed to support Bay of Plenty talent to achieve their sporting goals on a national and international level.

Jensen-Loach said the scholarships also allowed coaches and officials access to opportunities to further their development and help to retain expertise and sporting talent in the region.

Criteria for the athlete scholarships now also included greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Coach scholarships will include officials who referee, umpire or officiate at a recognised and endorsed level by their national or regional sporting organisation or equivalent body within the Bay.

Jensen-Loach said the scope of scholarships had broadened to reflect the great work of officials in the Bay's sporting communities.

"With two scholarship rounds each year in March and October, more athletes, coaches and now officials have a great opportunity to further their own development with the support of BayTrust scholarship funds – just as the likes of Peter Burling, Amy Robinson and Luuka Jones have done in past years," she said.

The BayTrust Athlete and newly titled Coach and Officials Scholarships are funded by the Trust's annual contribution to Sport Bay of Plenty's CoachForce programme.

The programme had 27 CoachForce officers from 18 codes supporting the development of coaches, who were aiding the development of thousands of athletes and volunteers every week, across the region.

Applications are open until 5pm on Wednesday, March 7.

For more information, application criteria and application forms, visit www.sportbop.co.nz/funding/baytrust-scholarships/