Inaugural Youth Cricket Scholarship Announced

MEDIA RELEASE January 22, 2004

Inaugural Youth Cricket Scholarship Announced

Thursday, January 22, 2004 : At an event held at Eden Park, New Zealand’s Cricket Captain, Stephen Fleming launched an inaugural scholarship which promises to inspire junior cricketers nationwide.

The Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship is the first of its kind designed to support junior cricket in New Zealand. The recipient of this prestigious scholarship will receive $20,000 from Rexona, which will assist the player in the development of cricket skills and education.

In addition to the financial investment, the winner of the Scholarship will have the opportunity to meet and spend valuable time with Stephen Fleming.

“I’m honoured to launch the Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship. Having begun my cricket career at an early age, I know how important the right support, mentoring and training can be”, said Stephen Fleming.

“A scholarship such as this has the potential to give one lucky young cricketer the edge they need to become the next New Zealand cricket star. I am thrilled to give my support and encouragement to the recipient and to help inspire young cricketers nationwide”, he said.

Heath Mills, Executive Manager, New Zealand Cricket Players Association said that the scholarship would not be possible without its newest sponsor – Rexona.

“We are delighted that Rexona is working with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and has been instrumental in developing and launching this wonderful scholarship.

“Through the Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship our commitment to inspire talented young cricket players to reach their full sporting potential continues”, said Mr. Mills.

In addition to supporting the Scholarship, Rexona’s commitment to cricket extends to a partnership with Stephen Fleming.

“Rexona is a brand with a strong sporting heritage – for decades, we have partnered with many sporting legends including Susan Devoy, Rod Dixon, Sandra Edge, Grizz Wylie and Hamish Carter.

“It is with great pleasure that we launch our partnership with Stephen Fleming. Stephen will be the Face Of Rexona for 2004, and we hope that the scholarship program will inspire a junior cricketer to follow in Stephen’s footsteps and became an inspiring, talented cricket player with exceptional leadership qualities,” said Nathan Low, Senior Brand Manager, Rexona.

FACT SHEET January 22, 2004

The Rexona NZ Youth Cricket Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

The inaugural Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship will be awarded to a player displaying outstanding cricket talent and who has demonstrated a clear ambition to undertake further education.

The scholarship aims to provide the recipient with opportunities to develop cricketing excellence and a career outside the game.

Cricket players who have represented their Major Association at under-17 and/or under-19 level in 2003/04 and are enrolled in a recognised secondary school in 2003 will be eligible for the Scholarship.

Scholarship Nominees

Each of the six Major Associations will be invited to nominate one player who meets the above criteria.

Selection of Winner

Nominations will be reviewed and the winner will be selected by :
1. Stephen Fleming – NZ Cricket Team Captain
2. Roger Twose – Chairman NZCPA Board
3. Dion Nash – Director NZCPA Board

The recipient will be announced by the end of March 2004.

The Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship - 2004

The Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship will provide financial assistance to the recipient for a two year period to the value of $20,000. This will include:

$6,000 per year for two years for cricket coaching activities including but not restricted to:
- Time at a cricket academy
- Overseas cricket tour such as MRF Academy in Madras
- Equipment and training costs

$4,000 per year over two years for education expenses including but not restricted to:
- Secondary study
- Tertiary study or vocational study
- Accommodation or boarding expenses if the student is living away from home

In addition, the winner of the Rexona New Zealand Youth Cricket Scholarship will have the opportunity to have a one-on-one session with New Zealand’s Cricket Captain, Stephen Fleming.

ENDS

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