Swimming: Swim in memory of paralysed friend's courage

LIVING LIFE TO FULL: Whangarei's Glen Wynyard will tackle the Bay of Islands' State New Zealand Ocean Swim series on November 22 to honour a friend who loved being in the water.PHOTO/OCEAN SWIM NZ-BWMEDIA.CO.NZ

A 41-year-old Whangarei man will be amongst the starting line up for the first event of the State New Zealand Ocean Swim series - in the Bay of Islands - on November 22, swimming in memory of an inspirational friend.

Glen Wynyard will be participating in memory of his friend Gary Grose, who despite being paralysed, loved spending time in the water.

Wynard's mother was Gary's' caregiver for 14 years and used to take him on weekly trips to the Whangarei Aquatic Centre for exercise.

Wynyard was deeply inspired by his friend, and wanted to participate in the series in Gary's honour.

"Gary used to love swimming to exercise his arms, lungs and of course, his mind," Glen explained.

"It was very important to him, and many with his limitations - or without, wouldn't bother."

State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice said: "Glen and his friend Gary are both great examples of how living life to the full is contagious. What a great way to honour a friend's memory."

The Bay of Islands Classic is the first of six events in the nationwide State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series and offers a range of distances to suit all ages and abilities.

Wynard is taking part in the 3.3km 'I'm Going Long' distance.

Other distances include the 200m State OceanKids event and 300m 'Give it a Go' event.

The other five events include the State Harbour Crossing (Auckland), Capital Classic (Wellington), La Grande (Akaroa), Sand to Surf (Mount Maunganui) and King of the Bays (North Shore, Auckland). For more information or to register for this series, visit www.oceanswim.co.nz