Earlier this year, the Aspect Trust formalised an arrangement with the Canterbury Sports Foundation, which means a percentage from every paying individual or organisation undertaking a Workplace First Aid course will be allocated back to the trust.
Sport Canterbury regional manager Shaun Campbell said the agreement would help the community directly back its local athletes.
"Clearly we are all proud and passionate of our local future sport stars competing on the international stage.
"This is another opportunity for the community to support the Aspect Trust and the great work they do, easing the financial costs and allowing athletes to chase their dreams."
The Aspect Trust has been supporting amateur, elite athletes in South Canterbury who have achieved at either New Zealand development or national level in their chosen sport for more than 10 years.
Trust chairman Jason Browning said he was excited to have the foundation come on board as a partner.
"We are delighted to partner with Sport Canterbury and the CSF and hope this will encourage more groups and individuals to undertake first aid training.
"The income received will not only allow more South Canterbury athletes to be supported but will add additional value to our other funding avenues from the generous local business community and, of course, our fundraising events, including the annual Tug of War."
The foundation was established in 1978 with initial funding coming from a small surplus accumulated from the running of the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
From its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $600,000 to individuals, clubs and associations across Canterbury and the West Coast enabling them to meet their objectives of developing pre-high-performance athletes.
The foundation has given Aspect an initial $5000 grant, and with a number of schools and businesses already looking to take up the first aid training opportunity over the coming months, there was confidence contributions would continue, allowing more athletes to be supported in the future.
