“It is about investing in a variety of sports that resonate with different types of New Zealanders and have potential to produce inspiring performances on the world stage now or in the future.”
Sports HPSNZ is investing in for the first time include Climbing, Badminton, E Sports, Touch Rugby and Motorcycling / Motocross.
The list of Aspirational Sports includes emerging sports gaining in popularity such as skate-boarding, introduced to the Olympics in 2020. Support for Para disciplines in Canoe, Waka Ama and Shooting will provide the platform to propel these inclusive sports to greater success, while there is also support for women’s sport with upcoming world cups in New Zealand such as Cricket and Football.
Also, on the list for Aspirational Fund support are some established sports with new ambitions for world stage success such as Basketball which now offers exciting potential in the 3×3 and 5×5 variations and receives $1 million over three years.
“Basketball is a great example of the opportunities that have opened up for sports through the Aspirational Fund,” Eddie Kohlhase says.
“It is the fastest growing participation sport in New Zealand, it has a raft of players in the NBL and approximately 130 people in colleges in the USA, many of whom have the potential to go on to greater heights. It is clearly a sport that is building an incredible base and has a big future and the potential to inspire New Zealanders.”
Eddie Kohlhase says the Aspirational Fund is also an important tool to invest in sports with culturally diverse pathways such as Touch Rugby, Women’s Rugby League and Badminton.
“We’re backing sports that reflect New Zealand’s diverse population so that more Kiwis will be able to see a potential high performance pathway for themselves.”
The investment in Aspirational Sports comes on top of investment in 10 Podium Sports – those most likely to succeed at pinnacle events, such as Athletics, Rowing, Yachting, Canoe Racing, Cycling, Equestrian and rugby 7s, para athletics, para cycling and para swimming.
“We’re doubling down on our targeted approach to podium sports that has delivered us excellent results on the world stage over the past decade and adding aspirational sports with potential to deliver more inspiring performances in the future.”
New Invested Sports
- Basketball (3×3 men; 5×5 women)
- Diving
- Skateboarding
- Tennis (men’s doubles)
- Beach Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Shooting Para Sport
- Waka Ama (para)
- Motorcycling / Motocross
- Rugby League (women)
- Touch Rugby
- E Sports
- Badminton
- Climbing
- Orienteering
- Golf
Click here to see the full list of sports HPSNZ is investing in over the next three years.
