The Para-Swimming Development camp was held in Rotorua from 12 -14 February.
Led by PNZ National Development Coach, Gary Francis along with Kayne Tukuapua from Hamner Springs, Daniel Bell from Hawks Bay and Lauren Taylor from St Pauls SC in Hamilton, the camp was designed as a chance to bring the National Development Squad together.
The squad of 10 Para-swimmers included Pathway to Podium athletes, Olivia Hay, Olivia Upston and Kate McElvie, along with development athletes Tama Solouota, Dylan Knoetze, George Adam, David Beck, Celyn Edwards, Amy Noble and Jacquie Ruth.
The group were put through their paces in 4 long pool sessions, 4 classroom sessions and also had to endure a team building exercise – white water rafting on the Kaitiki River!
Fortunately they all survived and the camp proved to be a great success in many ways. The athletes have all shown great improvements since the camp in 2014 and the P2P athletes have all benefitted from the exposure to the services the programme has allowed them. The newer athletes in the group all proved just as robust and Gary would certainly like to send his congratulations to the squad for their efforts at the camp as well as extending his thanks to the coaches involved and the home programme coaches whose hard work with the athletes showed through at the camp.
More thanks go to Rotorua Aquatic Centre for the hire of the pool and The Backyard Inn for their excellent hospitality over the weekend.
