The love of sport runs through Paul's blood. As a 16-year-old he represented Northland at New Zealand secondary school level where he competed in sprints, high jump and won gold in long jump. He remembers his training ground for the long jump being a family friend's farm where he used to jump the drains as practise.
Growing up on a farm in the Far North, and not having a lot of money to travel hindered Paul's sporting career (he was asked as a youngster to go away and train with a pre-Olympics team, but finances didn't allow it).
So, with the help of Donna, now he will travel the length of New Zealand, literally, if needed, to help and support local youth achieve their goals and dreams. It has not been uncommon for him to be working in Auckland then race back to Kaitaia to make it in time for training. It is also not uncommon to see the pair feeding a few extras at their home. Paul currently trains a group of young men in his 999r training group, to upskill them in their requirements and help them to get to the levels they need, to achieve higher honours. The training is hard but professional and all voluntary.
"You are a trainer, mentor, nutritionist, taxi driver, and sometimes even surrogate parents all rolled into one," he says.
Paul has also trained and coached rugby from junior through to senior level with the Awanui sports club.
He has trained boys in the 90 Milers under-18 team, and also this year's Mangonui Harding Shield side. He has been the Northland's ITM Cup team's massage therapist for the past 10 years while his sports massage skills have seen him work with the New Zealand Black Ferns and Maori All Blacks, along with various national provincial competition, Super 15 and Blues Development rugby teams. Through these teams, their players and coaches, he has made some great friends, and has also been able to take their knowledge and experience and combine it with his, to take home to our youth.
"The support from players for what we do, has been awesome and they have also been known to even flick us their old boots and clothes every now and then," Paul says.
"To see their faces when you hand kids a pair of Jared Payne's boots is a highlight, but they have definitely worked hard to earn them.
"It is truly a big surprise and very humbling to be recognised for the work we do, so a big thank you to Lesley Wallace from Sport Northland, and Lotteries, for the nomination".
- by Lesley Wallace
The other couple recently named in Sport Northland's latest list of sports makers were Eddie and Simone Matthews, the duo instrumental in promoting and developing junior rugby and netball in the Kaipara district. Both pairs of winners received merchandise for their contribution towards making sport happen in their region.
Sport Northland encouraged people to say thank you to their local sport maker by sending them an e-card to show their appreciation. This will allow them to enter the draw to win $500 worth of quality sporting goods including bibs, cones, balls and clothing. More details at www.sportnorthland.co.nz
