Future champs can apply now

Funding applications are now open for the Future Champions Trust, through chairwoman Philippa Baker-Hogan and through contributions from sponsors like Russell and Melissa Eades.

Everything costs money these days, just ask any young Wanganui sportsperson trying to get themselves to the next level.

After 16 months of planning, the first round of applications for funding are now open for the Future Champions Trust, which was launched last November to provide financial support to high achieving youth athletes.

Chairwoman Philippa Baker-Hogan said the first round will have a particular focus on assisting top local athletes off to compete in international competitions over the winter months, often in the Northern Hemisphere.

The former Olympic representative and world championship-winning rower recalled in her youth that both she and sister Erin Baker, a world champion triathlete, took up the sports that made them famous in their late teens, after having already started their own working lives to support themselves.

"I got paid to study [academically] back in those days," Baker-Hogan said.

"I had to hold down a fulltime career and manage [my sport] and I was trying like these guys pretty much are today."

The first time she received any kind of sports grant was in 1991 after she won her first world title with half of the $12,500 going directly her while the other half went back into her sport.

"I was so guilty because I thought I had to spend it on equipment, whereas now I would think 'that's to help me live'."

In today's sporting climate, young Wanganui sports people may not be able to go this working route needing to devote themselves totally to training or travelling for events to be competitive on the world stage.

Baker-Hogan said it is estimated that a sports trip overseas today would cost a youngster at least $10,000 and while the trust could not necessarily cover that entire amount for every applicant, they can certainly give them a helping hand.

"This is absolutely what it's for these young guys that aren't earning.

"Some of them may be able to be professional athletes these days.

"They may eventually have to leave Wanganui for some time, but they never forget where their home is."

The long term benefit is successful sportspeople could return to the region and help bring the next generation of youngster up to their level, she said.

World champion and Olympic bronze medal-winning rower Rebecca Scown is the Trust Ambassador.

Baker-Hogan said they would still like to see more local people and businesses come on board with sponsorship at either Gold, Silver, or Bronze level, or even consider making a one-off contribution.

"Every dollar put in goes to the athlete.

"The trust has had some wonderful assistance from supporters including in-kind 'Gold' sponsors Inferno Design, H&A Print, Display Associates and Sport Wanganui, and has just had its first paid Gold sponsor."

Russell and Melissa Eades, owners of Titanium Health Limited have been named as first recipients of the Gold Sponsors award for the trust.

"The Trust wants to be around long-term to assist generations of Wanganui youth onto the world stage and beyond, so we are keen to spread our message and build further supporters to do this," said Baker-Hogan.

"We are happy to come along to any business, service club or home to inform on the aim and work of the trust, and to discuss how we can help each other to help our youth."

Information can be found online at www.futurechampionstrust.org, emailing enquiries@futurechampionstrust.org or phoning Baker-Hogan on 027 272 7953.

The website is where aspiring athletes can access the criteria to get funding and get an application form, or they can pick one up at the offices of Sport Wanganui.

The closing date for applications is April 31.