YOUNGSTERS RACE THEIR IDOLS
10 November 2008
This week [12-16 Nov] five young Wellingtonians are competing in the race of their lives, and they're up against one of their biggest sporting heroes - Dean Barker.
The young men are part of the Port Nicholson U21 Match Racing Squad. They all started sailing at a young age but this 'by-invitation only' event is by far the most prestigious in which they've competed.
The New Zealand Keelboat Nations, being held in Auckland, is the pinnacle keelboat event of the year. Over the course of four days, crews will compete in 13 races. The winner is the crew with the best overall race points.
“We’re really proud of our lads for reaching this standard of racing,” says Port Nicholson Youth Scheme Coordinator Dean Stanley. “It’s a great tribute to their hard work, commitment and skill. They’re a great bunch, who have a very bright sailing future ahead of them.” Mr Stanley has been involved in Wellington yachting for many years and currently spearheads a NZCT-funded programme helping young people get into sailing. “We’ve got an excellent youth scheme running, catering for a variety of age groups and skill levels - from secondary school students, who have never been in a yacht, right up to our elite teams who are involved in a talent development squad,” says Dean. “To future-proof the sport, we’ve put a lot of thought into the needs of young people – how to make sailing easily accessible, interesting and economically viable. Of course sailing is great fun, but it’s also a sport that builds up mental and physical strength, resilience and independence,” he says. NZCT Wellington Regional Advisory Committee chair, Paul Elenio, agrees and says NZCT is proud to be involved. “New Zealand has a strong sailing heritage, but it’s important to encourage and nurture the next generation,” says Paul. “NZCT is committed to helping sporting groups – in fact we’re the largest funder of amateur sports in New Zealand – so we were pleased to be able to help. Mr Elenio says the trust always tries to return money it raises through gaming machines, back to the local community.
