Auckland Para athletes get scholarship boost
Thirteen talented young Para athletes have been announced as recipients of the Parafed Auckland Scholarship programme for 2018. The scholarship programme is backed by two organisations with a long history of supporting athletes with a physical impairment; The Carbine Club, and the Auckland Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Trust.
The tiered scholarship structure provides appropriate support to Auckland based Para athletes who are tracking towards representing New Zealand at future Paralympic Games.
Hamish Meacheam, CEO of Parafed Auckland commented, “We have significantly increased the size of our scholarship programme in 2018, because there is a genuine need for Para athletes to receive more support as they begin their journey towards the Paralympic Games. We are very grateful to the Carbine Club and the Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Trust for their increased level of support to allow us to do this.”
Peter Jeffares, well known Auckland business personality and President of the Carbine Club commented, “The Carbine Club of New Zealand is once again thrilled to be able to support Parafed Auckland who this year have 13 Para athletes receiving scholarships. The Carbine Club has been a supporter of Parafed Auckland, as well as Paralympics New Zealand, for over a decade, with funds being raised via a series of luncheons during the year plus its hugely successful annual golf tournament.
The Carbine Club, alongside the Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Trust and Parafed Auckland, wish the recipients all the very best in their chosen events and are delighted that our contribution can assist them to pursue their goals.”
2018 Parafed Auckland Scholarship Recipients
Carbine Club Scholarships (For athletes tracking towards the 2020 and 2024 Paralympic Games)
Sarah Ellington – Para cycling; C2 Cyclist, North Harbour Cycling Club
Keegan Pitcher – Para athletics; T36 Sprint events, Owairaka Athletics.
Neelam O’Neil – shooting Para sport; Parafed Auckland Shooting Club
Nick Blincoe – Para cycling; C4 Cyclist, Auckland Central Cycling Club
Tama Satrioni Tapusoa Solouota – Para swimming; S14 Howick Pakuranga Swimming Club
Courtney Scholarship (Premier award for outstanding Ambassador for Para sport in Auckland)
Tupou Neiufi – Para swimming; S9, SB8, SM9 Howick Pakuranga Swimming Club
Trust Scholarships (For developing athletes aiming for international competition in the next 1-3 years)
John Foote – Shooting Para Sport; Parafed Auckland Shooting Club
Anna Steven – Para athletics; T64 North Harbour Bays Athletics
Mitch Joynt – Para athletics; T64 North Harbour Bays Athletics
Natalie Brunzel – Shooting Para Sport; Parafed Auckland Shooting club
Josh Crean - Para alpine skiing; Sacred Heart College
Alyssa Baxter – Para athletics; T37 Owairaka Athletics Club
Tayla Clement – Para athletics; F44 North Harbour Bays Athletics
For further comment, or information on specific athletes, please contact;
Hamish Meacheam
CEO – Parafed Auckland
hamishm@parafedauckland.co.nz
027 324 1976
Interviews with scholarship recipients can be arranged via the above contact.
Sarah Ellington competing at the The 2017 VANTAGE Windows and Doors Elite & U19 Track National Championships