Eastland Port announces Water Sports Athlete sponsorships for 2024

Eastland Port has announced the 2024 recipients of its Water Sports Athlete grants. Each receives $1000 to help with expenses as they look to go as far as they can in their chosen field. From left are Riria Ata, Hannah Webb, Maia Campbell, Claire Elmers and Angus Blair. Pictures supplied

Eastland Port has announced the recipients of its $1000 water sports sponsorships aimed at supporting the endeavours of talented local athletes.

The Eastland Port Water Sports Athlete sponsorship grants are designed to alleviate travel, training costs or equipment expenses for high performance athletes.

“This year we received a staggering 30 applications,” Eastland Port chief operating officer Andrew Gaddum said.

“However, six outstanding individuals emerged who serve as exemplary role models on and off the water.”

The recipients are —

Maia Campbell — Waka Ama

Maia is a passionate athlete and volunteer coach with the Horouta Waka Hoe club.

Maia said the funds would go a long way in supporting his sporting aspirations, including defending the several world titles he collected at the world championship in 2022.

Riria Ata — Waka Ama

Riria, the youngest of the successful applicants, said she was humbled to be chosen as an Eastland Port Water Sports Athlete grant recipient and was looking forward to competing at the waka ama sprint nationals this week and various others. national/international events later in the year.

Hannah Webb — kayaking/surf lifesaving

Poverty Bay Kayak Club member Hannah Webb said the Eastland Port sponsorship “means more than just financial support”.

“It’s a validation of the hard work, dedication, and love I’ve poured into my sport.”

Hannah is part of the New Zealand squad heading to Sydney in May for the Asia Pacific Cup.

Angus Blair — swimming/surf life saving/open water swimming

Angus is described as a distinguished role model both on and off the water.

“It’s a huge honour to have received the sponsorship which will assist me with travels costs to compete at the Australian Championships this year,” he said.

Oska Smith — Surf life saving.

Oska is a member of the Kaiaponi Farms Waikanae club and was the Junior Black Fins captain last year.

He will use the sponsorship to access specialist strength and conditioning coaching to assist him as he works towards his goal of making the Open New Zealand team for the World Surf Life Saving Championship in August.

Claire Elmers — jet ski racing.

Claire is an up-and-coming jet ski racer who made the podium at the New Zealand Jet Ski Racing Winter Series last year.

“The sponsorship will go towards upgrading my safety gear and improving the speed of my jet ski for the 2024 season,” she said.

Mr Gaddum said the port had been highly impressed with the background of each of these athletes, having either competed at international levels or with imminent plans to do so.

“We are really proud to get behind these young people who are representing our community, especially at such a high level. We hope the sponsorship can propel them towards their aspirations, whether on the waves, in competitions worldwide, or as ambassadors for their sport within the community.”