Exceptional young athletes can now apply for the inaugural Yvette Williams Scholarship, inspired by New Zealands first female Olympic gold medallist.
Established through a gift from Sir Owen Glenn through the Glenn Family Foundation, the New Zealand Olympic Committee will be awarded to an athlete that shows significant promise for Rio 2016, as well as financial need.
Kereyn Smith, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, says she is delighted the applications for the new fund are now open. We look forward to hearing from our young and talented athletes and are pleased the New Zealand Olympic Committee, with the support of Sir Owen, can provide additional funding options for sports and athletes.
Yvette is an inspiring New Zealander and her legacy will live on in a new generation of athletes.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has already allocated more than $200,000 in funding for sports and athletes for 2014 and the new scholarship will increase this figure. The successful athlete will receive in the vicinity of $15,000 for 2014. This figure is based on interest earned on the Glenn Family Foundation gift.
In 2013 the New Zealand Olympic Committee allocated $440,000 to both sports and athletes through the Olympic Solidarity programme.
Applications for the scholarship can be made through http://www.olympic.org.nz/nzoc/athlete-scholarships