Netball features prominently in the latest intake of the Tania Dalton Foundation and its scholarship programme for 2023, with six from the sport included among the 12 recipients.
Exciting young netball talent in the form of Anne Kirikiri (Auckland/Cambridge), Braxton Gallagher (Hawke’s Bay), Jaime Taunoa-Knight (Palmerston North), Phoenix Schwalger (Wellington), Praise Hola (Dunedin) and Rosie Falcous (Dunedin) have been included in the class of 23 which honours the memory of Silver Fern #113, Tania Dalton.
Now into its sixth intake after being launched in 2017 following the untimely and tragic death of Tania, the Foundation was established to provide opportunity for talented young sports women across New Zealand.
Tania’s legacy lives on through the Scholarship and her passion for young sportswomen, in helping them unlock their potential and be their best selves.
Since 2018, 73 exceptional young sports women have been awarded scholarships.
Inspired through sport, each recipient in the programme receives financial support, one on one mentoring, pastoral support and personal development during the three years in the programme. A key aspect is for each young person to be involved in their community and to ‘pay it forward’ so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of sport.
The Foundation helps recipients from all kinds of circumstances and backgrounds, and at different stages of their development, to unlock their potential.
Tania’s husband, Duane Dalton is excited about the ongoing reach of the scholarship programme.
“Tania would be immensely proud of the work that we are doing and the impact that we are having on the lives of young people,” he said.
The Tania Dalton Foundation class of 2023: Anne Kirikiri (Netball, Auckland/Cambridge), Braxton Gallagher (Netball, Hawkes Bay), Jaime Taunoa-Knight (Netball, Palmerston North), Kodee Williams-Sefo (Basketball, Auckland), Lucy Eastwood (Rowing, Cambridge), Olivia Tukia (Surf Lifesaving, Auckland), Phoenix Schwalger (Netball, Wellington), Praise Hola (Netball, Dunedin), Rosie Falcous (Netball, Dunedin), Temepara Walker (Basketball, Hamilton), Tyla Pita-Kani (Softball, Wellington), Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna (Basketball, Rotorua).