After Commonwealth Wins, SKY NEXT Adds Three New Athletes   15 Aug 2014

Following a golden Commonwealth Games, SKY has added three new athletes to its successful SKY NEXT programme.

There are now 18 SKY NEXT athletes who are given guidance and financial support to help them achieve their dreams.

The new additions to the SKY NEXT family are: Karitane hockey player Kane Russell (22), Masterton golfer Ben Campbell (22) and 18-year-old Remuera tennis player Claudia Williams.

“We are thrilled to be able to support so many talented up-and-coming Kiwi athletes, following the impressive success of our SKY NEXT athletes in Glasgow. We can’t wait to watch our new trio of young athletes reach for the next level,”

Nine SKY NEXT athletes competed in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and four of them won gold - Anton Cooper, Sam Webster, Ethan Mitchell and David Nyika.

Williams, who is currently playing in Egypt on the international women’s circuit, says: “It is a great honour to be selected as a SKY NEXT athlete. Every bit of support helps me get closer to my ultimate goal - winning a Grand Slam.”

SKY gives financial support of $16,000 a year to each SKY NEXT athlete to help them with their training and travel costs. In addition athletes receive mentoring from Olympic Gold medallist Hamish Carter and his wife Marisa. Marisa champions the programme on behalf of SKY and ensures SKY NEXT athletes have an opportunity to raise their profiles with SKY’s support.

Commonwealth Games Results:

4 Gold Medals: Ethan Mitchell and Sam Webster in the Team Sprint (Track Cycling), Sam Webster in the Individual Sprint (Track Cycling), Anton Cooper in the Cross Country Mt Bike and David Nyika in the Light Heavy Weight 81kg Boxing.

1 Silver Medal: Sam Webster in the Keirin (Track Cycling)

Angie Smit, Jacko Gill made finals, placing 5th 800m and 11th shot put respectively

Tony Dodds was 10th in the Triathlon

Matt Stanley made the Swimming Finals

Portia Bing – 4 x 400 Relay achieved a new New Zealand record

ENDS

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