Tom Morrison Community Coaching Advisor Sport Bay of Plenty

Applications are now open for the October 2014 round of BayTrust scholarships. The scholarships recognise both athletes and coaches aiming to support and assist Bay of Plenty sporting talent to achieve on the national and international sporting stage and allow coaches to develop new skills that can be delivered back to the community.

The scholarships are funded by the BayTrust as part of their contribution to Sport Bay of Plenty's CoachForce programme and fully supports BayTrust's vision of strong, vibrant and healthy Bay of Plenty communities.

Both scholarships are open to sportspeople residing in the region, covered by BayTrust and Sport Bay of Plenty, with the intention that the coaching expertise and sporting talent is retained in the Bay.

The Athlete Scholarship applications are available to any athlete from the Bay of Plenty aged 16-23, who has achieved national representation at their sport.

The Coach Scholarships are for coaches currently coaching at a recognised and endorsed level by their respective regional sporting organisation or equivalent body.

Applications highlight the exceptional sporting and coaching talent that exists within the Bay of Plenty region; and these scholarships demonstrate an appreciation for the hard work, commitment and dedication that these athletes and coaches give to their sport and communities.

The scholarships have been very successful and have seen Sport Bay of Plenty and the BayTrust support some very talented and high achieving locals.

Perhaps the most well-known athlete recipient is sailor Peter Burling, who won a silver medal in the 49er class at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Other past athletes include: Sam O'Dea (Volleyball), Joseph Millar (Athletics), Dirk Peters (Mountain Biking), Kurk Pickard (BMX), Natalie Peat (Surf Life Saving), Amanda Landers-Murphy (Squash).

Some of coaches, who have won the scholarship, include: Melanie Bennett (Basketball), Aaron Osborne (Canoe Slalom), Jay Carter (Golf), Moehewa Armstrong (Rugby League), and Julieta Diaz (Synchronised Swimming).

Applications close at 5pm on October 13, 2014.

If you'd like information on how to apply please visit http://www.sportbop.co.nz/baytrust_scholarships or email:

Sport Bay of Plenty community coaching advisor Tom Morrison at tomm@sportbop.co.nz