Te Awamutu's Cornerstone Trust still has funds available

Rushlee Buchanan wins the Women's Elite and U23 road race in 2017. Photo / John Cowpland - alphapix

Te Awamutu's Cornerstone Trust will take pride in watching three local athletes compete in this year's Olympics.

Rebecca Petch (BMX), Rushlee Buchanan (cycling) and Hannah Osborne (rowing) all received grants from the trust early in their careers.

The sports achievement trust has also helped hundreds of other local sportspeople over the past 15 years, through successful Cornerstone fundraising luncheons.

While the trustees are happy to continue funding local athletes onto the world stage, there have been few opportunities to do so.

Trustee Richard Gray says as a result of Covid-19 there have been very few budding sportspeople travelling to compete.

Te Awamutu's Rebecca Petch is off to the Olympics for BMX. Photo / Dan Griffiths

"Cornerstone hasn't received many applications for funding and at this stage still has funds available.

"Cornerstone's aim, as a charitable trust, has always been to use its funds to support local athletes, so the trustees don't wish to see accumulated funds.

"We have therefore resolved to relax criteria for funding at this stage, although these will be flexible to allow for the changing times."

Richard says the trust will consider applications for funding based on the following criteria:

Sportspeople attending national and regional championships/trials in New Zealand or those attending state/national championships overseas;

Those ideally representing their region/province/school, but there may be individual applicants;

Smaller amounts may be involved and so applicants may apply for multiple events;

Actual costs must be incurred to be reimbursed (such as travel, accommodation, gear for an event).

Note: Existing criteria supporting those who are representing the country still apply.

Hannah Osborne pictured in 2012 when she was awarded her Cornerstone Trust grant. Photo / Cathy Asplin

Local sportspeople who meet any of these criteria are encouraged to email trustee Jeanette Ballantyne (jeanette@sgca.co.nz) for an application form.