Nga Papahu goes the distance

STROKE OF GENIUS: The four young Nga Papahu swimmers with coach Jim Larkin at the Div II national champs in Invercargill last month. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

The Kaitaia-based Nga Papahu Swim Club gave the major plaudits for having four of its swimmers qualify for a major swimming meet to inspirational coach Jim Larkin.

Nina Rose (13), Henare Cherrington (14), Maraea Witana (15) and Nat Blud (17) travelled from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island after qualifying to take part in the Div II national champs in Invercargill from March 8-13.

NPSC chairperson Kimshiree Rose said the quartet did their club and the province proud by bringing back a total of 13 medals and swimming some "awesome" PBs (personal best times) at the national second tier event.

"Although quite gruelling at times, having to be at the pool by 7am and not getting back until after 9pm, it was a great experience," said Kimshiree.

She said the quartet was part of a Northland group small in comparison with other areas from New Zealand. And the squad certainly made its presence felt at the champs, judging by the hearty cheering from the stands as the swimmers went about achieving some quite outstanding results.

"Joining together, the swimmers, coaches and parents alike from Whangarei north - usually our rivals at the more local swim meets - all got behind each other by cheering and supporting one another in a great show of camaraderie."

On behalf of the Far North club, Kimshiree also thanked Pelorus Trust and Four Winds for making the South Island campaign possible by funding accommodation costs. She also said the input from coach Jim Larkin "for everything he does for our swimmers" had been crucial to the club and Northland's success at the event.

Thanks on behalf of the club also went to all the parents who cooked and washed togs and towels etc. Kimshiree noted that without the contributions from organisations and individuals, the swimmers wouldn't have been able to attend the major meet.

"We were all so proud to be a part of this event, and proving again that Nga Papahu is still the best competitive swim club in the Far North with these fantastic results by our swimmers."