After three months of scouring the country, PNZ invited 21 young Para-swimmers to the Camp, held in Silverdale, Auckland over the weekend.

This year's swim camp had a major focus on Para-swimmers in the S1 to S5 classifications, and doubled as a key part of the PNZ Express Lane Programme, which has been funded by the Agitos Foundation's Grant Support Programme.

"We were thrilled with the record number of Para-swimmers at the camp," said PNZ talent identification manager Hadleigh Pierson.

"We have worked hard as part of the PNZ Express Lane Programme to increase the number of people with a significant physical impairment involved in Para-swimming."

Paralympic champion and five-time world champion Mary Fisher was at the Camp to give an inspirational speech to the aspiring Paralympians ©Getty Images


The swimmers were treated to an inspirational talk by Paralympian Mary Fisher, who shared with the group her swimming experiences since her outstanding performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Fisher won four medals at her debut Paralympic Games, including gold in the SM11 200 metres individual medley in a world record time.

The following year, Fisher secured five gold medals and a silver at the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships in Montreal, Canada.

The swim camp was led by Josh South, a highly experienced coach at talent identification level and Gary Francis, who is coach to Paralympian Rebecca Dubber alongside a support team of four club coaches.

The camp included coaching and advice, pool sessions, classification opportunities, and information on the Para-swimming pathway.

The 21 attendees at the camp were: Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman, Tupou Neiufi, Olivia Upston, Jaden Movold, Mekyle Govender, Peter Konings, Sarah Colquhoun, Paddy Walsh, Sionann Murphy, Cody Matthews, Harry Randall, Olivia Hay, Kate McKelvie, Ross Livingstone, Amy Noble, George Adam, Ieuan Edwards, Celyn Edwards, Mikaela Singleton, Ella Macbeth and Kylie Pilkinton.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2014: Paralympics New Zealand launches Express Lane talent identification campaign
June 2013: Paralympics New Zealand appoints new talent ID manager