Tap dancer Poppie Taylor is always taking steps, and is now another step ahead.
She was one of four young sportspeople awarded funding at Nelson Tasman’s launch of the Inspire Foundation at the Rutherford Hotel last Tuesday.
The foundation has been introduced to the region to offer financial assistance and mental well-being support for young people aged 15 to 22 navigating pressures of international competition preparation.
The launch event also featured guest speaker Gilbert Enoka, the All Blacks' mental performance coach who has offloaded decades of inspiration to elite performers so they can, like the title of his book, become unstoppable.
Eighteen and fresh from her last dance at Waimea College in 2025, Poppie’s $3500 grant from the Inspire Foundation will give her a leg-up for the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Prague next year.
She was the first New Zealander to compete at this event last year, finishing 17th.
“Auditioning for the world championships again, and being accepted, has been one of the most emotional and rewarding achievements in my dance journey so far,” she says.
“I didn't actually expect to get the grant, so it was really tremendous. It'll help with all the training because my training is in Wellington. Having those costs covered, along with accommodation and flights, will make a huge difference.”
Another award recipient, Year 13 Nelson College for Girls student and ocean distance freestyle swimmer Tegen Stewart, hopes to make a splash in when she makes her international debut at the World Junior Open Water Championships in Argentina this September.
Tegen's $2500 grant means she will not have to dive quite as deeply into her savings to make the trip to South America.
"It'll help me cover, probably, most of the costs for Argentina, because that trip's quite expensive and my parents can't fund it at all, so it's going to help pay the rest of whatever the bill is, which is good," she says.
"There's about nine grand left to cover after we paid the flights already."
In 2025, Tegen won three New Zealand age group medals in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events at the national championships.
Her selection to represent New Zealand is a defining moment in her career.
"Representing New Zealand has always been a dream of mine, and with the help of the Inspire Foundation, this dream is becoming a reality," she says.
Garin College graduate Hector McNeilly, a compound archer targeting the 2028 Olympic Games, also received an Inspire Foundation grant.
The funding will help support his travel to international competitions, including events in the United States where he has secured a university archery scholarship.
17-year-old Motueka High School rider Izzy Claringbold had to pause a few times in her Inspire Foundation grant acceptance speech when reflecting on those who had been a stallion throughout her equestrian journey.
Izzy has had a stable rise in equestrian, including a third place title at the New Zealand Under 15 championships in 2024 and consistent top placings at national level across teams, pairs, and individuals.
Her $3000 grant comes as she prepares to trot over to France with the New Zealand under 18 team for the IMGA World Team Championship, her first international event in the saddle.
When asked about the palpable emotion in her speech, Izzy says the opportunity means a great deal.
“It's been a lifelong dream. It's a huge accomplishment for me, and it's just an amazing opportunity that I'm incredibly grateful for. Excited to be in this position,” she enthuses.
“My mounted game journey began six years ago. Although I've been riding ponies my entire life, it has truly become a part of who I am.
“I've been lucky enough to experience many incredible opportunities and meet amazing people who've helped me and supported me throughout the years.”
Those “amazing people” include her parents for financial support and “countless hours” of travel to nationwide competitions and training, and Motueka High School principal Lex Davis for nominating her for the grant.
