BayTrust Scholarships format change to increase opportunities

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

The annual BayTrust Athlete and Coach Scholarships are changing to provide new opportunities.

Sport Bay of Plenty community coaching advisor Shan Jensen-Loach said the changes will see new opportunities provided for officials, as well as athletes and coaches, to achieve their sporting endeavours.

These scholarships aim to support and assist Bay of Plenty talent to achieve their sporting goals on a national and international stage, as well as allow coaches and officials access to opportunities to further their development.

In turn, this expertise and sporting talent can be retained in the Bay of Plenty.

Criteria for the athlete scholarships now also include greater opportunities for athletes with disabilities and coach scholarships include officials who are currently refereeing/umpiring/officiating at a recognised and endorsed level by their national/regional sporting organisation or equivalent body within the Bay of Plenty.

Jensen-Loach said the scope of scholarships had broadened to reflect the great work of officials in our 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."

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 sees 27 CoachForce Officers from 18 codes supporting the development of coaches across the region, who are in turn aiding the development of thousands of athletes and volunteers every week.

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

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