KEANA PARKER, DIVER - PACIFIC SCHOOL GAMES 2015

I am 12 years old and have been diving for 3.5 years. I am so excited to have been selected as part of the Diving NZ Schools Team to participate at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide, Australia in November 2015.

I fell in love with diving the very first time I tried it when I was 9 years old. I love the thrill and also the beauty, grace and athleticism of the sport. A lot of people don't realise it but the sport of diving takes a lot of hard work, dedication and self-motivation. I spend 14 hours / 5 days a week training - half the time is dry land training and half the time is in the pool. Diving has helped me develop focus, time management and personal motivation in school and other areas of my life. It has also taught me the importance of being active, making healthy choices and having healthy role models.

The PACIFIC SCHOOL GAMES provides opportunities for around 4000 school-aged students to participate in nine different sports at the highest level. There will be students aged between 10 – 19 years from at least 12 countries competing. I am excited to have the opportunity to compete at this level as well as having the chance to meet and make friends with more young athletes from other countries.

This is a self-funding trip so all money raised will be used for travel, transport and associated costs, accommodation, entry fees and coaching costs.

Any donations would be very much appreciated.

Thank you so much.