Support for athletes through five sponsorships

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Eastland Port has announced support for water-based athletes with five $1000 sponsorships available, and has called for applications.

The just-launched annual water sport sponsorship fund is designed to assist local water-based athletes.

“Supporting local athletes is something Eastland Port is passionate about,” chief operating officer Andrew Gaddum said.

“With port operations centred around Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay, we are always looking for new opportunities to encourage our community to enjoy and experience the bay.”

Applicants must be from the Tairawhiti region, and the eligible sports include waka ama, kayaking, surf lifesaving, triathlon, swimming and sailing.

“Applications for funding are open now,” Gaddum said.

“Those interested can email hello@eastland.nz for a copy of the application form.”

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, August 14.

Eastland Port has previously sponsored local athletes and water-based events such as Surf Life Saving New Zealand national competitions and the New Zealand Kayak Marathon Championships.

“We intend to continue supporting local sporting events and opportunities around the region, in addition to our five athlete sponsorships,” Gaddum said.

“Being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.

“We hope that by supporting local athletes to achieve in their chosen sport, Eastland Port can encourage and inspire others to give water sports or even just swimming lessons a go, so that more people can safely enjoy the water.”