Whiti Ora are excited to announce the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends Squad for 2024.
Tairāwhiti Rising Legends (TRL) is an initiative by Whiti Ora, aimed at recognising, acknowledging and supporting the development of talented young athletes within Te Tairāwhiti.
Since it’s inception, this is the most females any squad has had, with eight females and two males.
“This year’s application process was very competitive” said Whiti Ora Talent Lead Carl Newman.
“This is the most applications we have ever received. It’s great to see so many leading female athletes in the district.”
Back for their second year are Lily Arnold for trampoline, Lucy Millar for sailing, Cleo Parkin for judo, and Hannah Webb for kayaking. These four join the new TRL’s Yahni Brown and Ella Sutton for surf life saving, Capria Morgan Lee for gymnastics, Cheidan Moetara and Hine Brooking for waka ama, and Maxwell Kennedy for kayaking.
These aspiring athletes will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Throughout 2024, this squad will receive exclusive mentoring and development opportunities to improve their skill set. These include workshops for nutrition, life skills, mental skills, strength and conditioning and media skills.
The programme aims to assist talented athletes in fulfilling their potential and gaining higher honours.