Local swimmers are celebrating but they are not resting on their laurels. Although the Special Olympics Summer National Games is more than a year away, local swimmers (details below) have moved at least one stroke closer due to laudable performances at a qualifying competition in Whangarei.
“It was a fantastic result,” confirms Jenny Harkins, swimming manager from Special Olympics Howick Pakuranga.
“[Our swimmers won] an amazing haul of medals and ribbons. As always, their happy faces say so much and we are so proud of them all!
“We’re hoping as many as possible will go on to be selected for nationals next year.”
The HPK team claimed 13 gold, 11 silver and eight bronze medals in total, medalling in 32 of their 45 opportunities in the Tier 2 class – click here for more information about Special Olympics classifications.
“It was an awesome weekend away with our supporting families,” Jenny adds.
“Thanks also go to my dedicated team of coaches and volunteers: Jo Richards, Todd Bradley, Graham Irvine and Melanie Croucher, Rose Whitehead and Felix Stephen.”
These committed swimmers are already back in action, training at Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre ahead of their next qualifying event in October.
For updates regarding their progress see www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsHPK.
HPK swimmers in the winners’ circle were:
Josh Bradley
Lele Chen
Allan Croucher
William Eady
Max Cussell
Matt Fagelund-Gjersoe
Patrick Holmes
Reuben Brown
Laura Harkins
Monique Irvine
Charlotte Stein
Paris Parker
Gabrielle Salmon
Annabel McCutcheon
Laura Davis
