Since 2004 the MainPower Youth Sports Scholarships have been helping local talented sportspeople acheive their goals and perform to the best of their ability.

The Scholarships also promote a culture of sporting success and excellence troughout the North Canterbury and Kaikoura regions.

MainPower funds three Youth Sports Scholarships annually to the total value of $10,000. Scholarship applications are called annually in July and scholarships are awarded in October. Information sheets and application forms for the 2013 scholarships will be available at the beginning of July.

2012 MainPower Youth Sports Scholars

World class BMX rider Trent Jones is the top MainPower Youth Sports Scholar for 2012.   Announced at last October’s North Canterbury Sports Awards dinner, this talented Ohoka 18 year old had an outstanding year. He placed fifth in the Junior Elite Men’s class at the UCI World Champs in Birmingham, won the NZ Junior Elite Men’s title and was crowned North Island Champion for the second year running.  A member of the NZ BMX High Performance Squad since 2011, Trent says his ultimate goal is to become an Olympic and World Champion.  Meantime, Trent’s plans for 2013 include the BMX Supercross World Cup Series with rounds held in England, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States.

MainPower runner-up scholarships went to high achievers 16 year old swimmer Natasha Lloyd and 15 year old BMX rider Tahlia Hansen. 

Earlier this year, Natasha represented New Zealand at the Pan Pacific Champs in Hawaii, finishing third in her age group in the 100 metre and 200 metre breaststroke.  She is currently only 0.16 seconds away from becoming New Zealand's fastest ever female breaststroker over 200 metres.  Natasha was the top MainPower sports scholar for 2011.

Tahlia’s year included finishing second in her age group at the 2012 BMX World Championships in Birmingham as well as winning both the New Zealand and Wellington Champs.

With the 2016 Rio Olympics firmly in their sights, all three scholarship winners look set for even greater achievements.  MainPower is proud to be helping them on their way.

• 2011 Youth Sports Scholarship Recipients
• 2010 Youth Sports Scholarship Recipients
• 2009 Youth Sports Scholarship Recipients
• 2008 Youth Sports Scholarship Recipients