Northland Athletes do us proud!

Published 30 November 2009, Posted in Northland / 1 Comment

Mitsubishi Motors PNZ Nationals
Wellington, 13-15 November 2009-11-28

The 37th Mitsubishi Motors Paralympics New Zealand Nationals were held over the weekend of 13-15 November 2009 in various locations around Wellington.  Sports on offer were – Archery (Auckland), Athletics, Lawn Bowls, Hand Cycling, Power lifting, Sailing, Shooting, Clay Target Shooting, Swimming and Table Tennis. 

Northland was represented by Brian Froggatt, Ming Ming Edgar, Brent Lynn and Cameron Leslie, even though Cameron lives in Auckland whilst attending Uni.  Cameron and Brian were able to fly down on Friday.  Brent, Ming Ming accompanied by Sam his niece as caregiver, were driven down by Theresa Lynn. 

Thanks to the loan of Tiaho Trust’s van, we set out on Thursday afternoon on the epic journey to Wellington.  Leaving Hikurangi, going via Dargaville we managed to get to Otorohanga before finding a bed for the night.  Leaving early next morning, we called in to visit Ming Ming’s mum in Wanganui for a while and have lunch. 

We arrived in Wellington around 4.30pm with plenty of time before the opening ceremony at 6pm.  Staying at the Brentwood Hotel, with transport to venues was great, although I had to take Brent out to Te Horo to compete in hand cycling as we missed the shuttle. 

Early Monday morning, after breakfast and making sure we had everything on board, hoping to avoid Wellington traffic, we set off for Whangarei, again via Dargaville.  It was a long journey, with plenty of breaks for many reasons, but we arrived home safe and sound late Monday evening.  Nice to have a sleep in the next morning, before having to clean and return the van.  A round trip of 1992 kms for the weekend, going to fly next time!!

Cameron won two Gold (100m breast, relay) and a Silver (100m back), setting a PNZ record in 100m freestyle.  He is now in Brazil competing in the short course swimming event (29 November).  Brian won Bronze in power lifting, lifting a weight of 145kg in the 82.5kg class.

Ming Ming lifted 87.5kg in the 6.5 kg class, and threw 14.15m in discus and 5.81m in shot put as an F11.  Brent won Bronze in hand cycling, taking 2hrs 02:39 to complete the 30km, winning himself the Trophy for ‘Best Competitive Spirit of the Day’ for hand cycling.  He also lifted 80kg in the 100kg class for power lifting. 

Congratulations to all Northland athletes as they helped Auckland secure the Regional Trophy with a total of 133 points, Canterbury with 95, Central North Island on 44, Southern North Island on 41 and Otago/Southland on 27.  Well done Otago/Southland who only had nine athletes.

As you can see, they were very successful games with many well known Paralympians taking part.  This gave up and coming athletes a wonderful opportunity to see them in action.

See www.parafednorthland.co.nz for photos from this event.