Whiti Ora are excited to announce the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends Squad for 2022.
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.
In the squad for 2022 are Nathan Trowell for indoor bowls, Jack Willock for mountain biking, Seb Wilson for basketball, Angus Blair for swimming, Brothers Carlos Hihi and Puna Hihi for Rugby, Geordie Sawyer for surfing, Oska Smith for surf lifesaving, Jimmy Somerton for football, and Freya Wilson for netball.
These aspiring athletes will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Also, throughout the year, 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.
“These workshops will give the Rising Legends vital skills that will not only help their physical health but also their mental health.” Said Whiti Ora Talent Lead, Carl Newman. “We have so much talent here in Tairāwhiti and this program will take them to the next step in their sporting journey.”
The programme aims to assist talented athletes in fulfilling their potential and gaining higher honours.
Since the inception in 2007, 103 Tairāwhiti athletes have been inducted as Rising Legends. The programme has produced 46 New Zealand champions, 6 World Champions, 2 All Blacks, and 3 Olympians.
You can view the squad here.
