The Samoan Sports Association has recognised the likes of David Tua, Tana Umaga and Sonny Bill Williams, as Samoans achieving outstanding results in New Zealand sports. But the not-for-profit organisation is also responsible for boosting the opportunities of stars on the rise, and has just announced its scholarship winners for this year.
Seven of the 11 winners are from Auckland including canoe sprinter Rishan Po Ching, 18. Po Ching says there are few opportunities to compete in canoe sprinting in New Zealand.
"I want to go to the Olympics. There aren't many competitions here so the scholarship will help me get to the ones overseas."
Established with the aim of promoting healthy lifestyles through sports and providing financial assistance to emerging talent, a number of the recipients have gone on to represent New Zealand in their chosen field. The scholarships have awarded more than $100,000 to young Samoan sportsmen and women since 2003.
This year, the association received a record number of applicants from more than 20 different sporting codes including gymnastics, rugby league, waterpolo and canoe sprinting.
Samoan youth scholarships winners are:
Under 13: Gabrielle Fa'amausili - swimming (Auckland)
Under 15: Bradley Abbey - rugby league (Auckland)
Brittany Robertson - gymnastics (Auckland)
Paige Schendelaar-Kemp - swimming (Auckland)
Under 17: Aaliyah Ah Kiong - basketball
Jeffrey Arona-Tuifana'e - swimming (Auckland)
