Vili awarded PM's scholarship

Olympic gold medallist Valerie Vili is among more than 400 athletes and their support teams who will receive $4.25 million from the Prime Minister's Sport Scholarships in 2010, Sport Minister Murray McCully announced today.

The scholarships help sports people pursue tertiary study or professional development while continuing to strive for sporting success.

A total of $4.25 million is allocated each year. Athletes receive up to $10,000 for tertiary fees and a living allowance of $2000 per six months, while others can get up to $50,000 each year for up to three years.

This year's recipients come from a wide range of sports, and include Olympic and world champion shot putter Valerie Vili, hockey international Simon Child, Silver Ferns netballer Laura Langman, Paralympic swimmer Cameron Leslie, and cyclist Tom Scully.

Other recipients include BikeNZ's Mark Elliot, who receives a support team member scholarship, rugby coach Todd Blackadder, and Olympic wrestling official Malcolm McBeth.

So far this year, 353 athletes, 19 coaches, 29 support team members and 13 officials have been awarded scholarships. Another 45 applicants have been shortlisted.

Mr McCully said the programme recognised the commitment recipients were making.

The Prime Minister's Sport Scholarship programme is administered by Sport and Recreation New Zealand, which receives applications through national sport organisations and the New Zealand Academy of Sport.

- NZPA