Tyran Gillespie Beach Volleyball Youth Commonwealth Games 2017

Tyran has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas 13-24 July 2017. Sadly, as Volleyball New Zealand does not receive Sport New Zealand funding for high

performance activities, the selected athletes are responsible for all costs associated with

representation at this level including training, travel, accommodation, assembly expenses and

uniforms. The cost for this tour is $8500.00 per player which has largely been determined by

New Zealand Olympic Committee. Volleyball New Zealand will be arranging playing uniforms, domestic travel and training camps prior to departure.

Tyran has won the NZ Secondary Beach Volleyball Championship in 2016 and 2017. He has also represented NZ overseas in Beach Volleyball. All of these trips have been costly to his family, who have always tried to support him even if they are not in the position to.

Tyran has been actively involved in Volleyball over his entire schooling and plays for the WHHS Senior A Team and has played in many representative teams at Bay of Plenty, North Island and New Zealand level. He has won the New Zealand Secondary School Beach Championship in 2016 and 2017. Tyran shows leadership and willingly offers his time towards mentoring other volleyball students to improve their game. He is a positive role model to his peers and junior students. He willingly shares his knowledge and is modest about his achievements. He is a mature and sensible young man.

Tyran is very able academically and has shown a commendable commitment to his studies. He achieved his NCEA Level One and Level Two and is now working towards his Level 3 qualification. He actively participates in lessons and can always be relied upon to give his best. He shows good leadership and is looked up to by many of his peers. Tyran contributes positively in class and completes written work to a high standard, whilst juggling his commitments to Volleyball. He has shown great progress and is on track to achieve well at this level of study.