Waiouru Ice Breakers defend title

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 678, 18 March 1997, Page 16

Waiouru Ice Breakers defend title

The Waiouru lce Breakers Swimming Club suc cessfully defended their place as Country Club Champions at the recent competitions held at Marton. Fifteen youngsters from the competitive squad of the Club achieved amazing results against teams from Raetihi, Hunterville, Marton, and T aihape. The children competed in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly individual races and showed excellent form over all strokes. The level of competition was very high but the children proved their worth as champions. Breaking two records and equalling another, Carrie Donaldson had every reason to be proud of her efforts. She broke the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley and came even with the 100m backstroke. Tracy Ennis, mother of one of the children, commented that although they did not have a big team, it seemed as though the children won every race they entered. She attributed the club' s great results to the coaches' hard work and dedication to helping the children give 100 percent all the time.

Four children also did exceptionally well at the W anganui Age-Group Championships, winning six gold medals, 12 silver medals, and five bronze. medals among their group. Aleisha Ennis, Amy Hawira, Carrie Donaldson and Amy Donaldson put on a dazzling performance which was well rewarded at the prize-giving ceremony. The children also received certificates accompanying their medals. Breaking another record for the club at this meet, Amy Donaldson set a new record for the 50m breaststroke in the 10-year age group. The Waiouru lce Breakers Club has 1 10 children enrolled, and runs two different programmes. The learn-to-swim classes are very popular, especially with the younger age-group, and help the coaches in identifying the new swimmers for the competitive squad. This latter group trains twice a week for an hour at a time, often travelling from Ohakune and Taihape to participate. The competitive squad are currently training for the East Coast Championships in Napier which will be held in July. Clubs from all over New Zealand attend this meet, with medals strongly sought after.