The Directors of the Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF) has approved Auckland Diving Community Trust’s (ADCT) application for NZ$20,000 of funding to assist with the cost of pool hire at West Wave Waitakere, Auckland’s only deep-water, full diving facility.
ADCT would like to express its appreciation to TTCF for the grant and would also like to express gratitude to the elected members of the Waitakere Licensing Trust for their recommendation of the application.
By supporting diving, TTCF is supporting a fun and challenging sport that is growing both in terms of popularity and profile in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland where there is a focus on making diving more accessible to more people through a range of initiatives which include the schools development programme; whanau sessions; free trials and ‘Have A Go’ days.
Beyond their enjoyment of the sport and improved physical abilities, divers develop their self-confidence through their participation, whether recreational or competitive.
ADCT Chairperson, Dene Wilson, said that Auckland Diving is delighted to have received the funding, which will help the sport grow at a grassroots level.
“Our high-energy team is on a mission to make diving more accessible to more people through a range of engagement programmes which will certainly benefit from the support of TTCF,” he said.
“With over 30 diving sessions held at West Wave pool each week, the funds will make a valuable contribution to the ongoing success of its programmes, the growth of our divers and our diving community.”
Auckland is home to some of the country’s most promising young divers, having won the open men’s and women’s 1m and 3m, and the open women’s platform along with a number of junior elite and age group titles at the Diving New Zealand Nationals held at West Wave pool in June.
“Our young divers are working really hard to improve their skills and achieve their goals of representing New Zealand at international diving events,” said Head Coach, Steve Gladding. “To get to the likes of the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games means a lot of time at the pool, so this grant is also supporting the exceptional diving talent we have in the pipeline.”
The funding application was considered and approved by TTCF at its 2 August meeting.