Luka has Down Syndrome and wishes to swim for NZ in Turkey
Luka is representing NZ in Turkey as a swimmer at the Trisome (Down Syndrome) Worlds. It's a first for NZ. There is no national org/funding.
Canterbury
My name is Luka and I am 17. I am a good swimmer and have Down Syndrome. When I was young, I swam because mum wanted me to be safe. Now I go because I want to. I have many PB ribbons and many friends.
In September 2019 I raced at the DSSA Nationals with 65 Australian and 6 NZ swimmers in Brisbane. I was one of the youngest. I did well. The Australian coach said I should swim more as I have potential. I qualified for the Trisome Worlds in Turkey 2020. I am good at freestyle and can swim 50m in 42 seconds. No-one from NZ has ever competed at the Trisome Worlds ever!
Mum says we need some help because Turkey is far away and she doesn't have long to save. I also need a caregiver to help me. Later I hope to travel independently. My mum wishes that one day there will be a DSSNZ org. I want to help other people with DS have opportunity too. I am lucky - my coach and club push me hard. I may struggle to learn at school but I can succeed with swimming, and that makes me proud and happy.
Angelique van der Velden's involvement (page creator)
Mum of Luka
Use of funds
The funds will be used to help cover competition costs, flights and accommodation of Luka and a support person.
Latest update
Success for Luka at the 10th World Down syndrome Champs Portugal and Virtus Games Brisbane 10 December 2022
Kia ora supporters. It's time to celebrate. The biggest thank you to you all for your generous donations some years back which were originally to be used for Luka's trip to the World DS Champs in Turkey. Covid certainly put a stop to that.
I'm sure you will have seen that Luka has now participated at the World DS Champs in Portugal 2022 with great success. He has many top 20 World rankings and 8 Oceania records. He also managed a bronze at the Virtus Oceania/Asia Games in Brisbane on the way back to NZ. What a privilege to be part of a NZ para team. Luka is the first person with DS to be chosen for this and he did his peers and country proud. We absolutely couldn't have achieved this without your financial support. We are truly grateful. We thought it was important to acknowledge your contribution. We know many of you dug deep. You have big hearts.
It looks like this trip will be the beginning of a great journey in the pool for Luka. Doors are opening and it looks like NZ will finally establish an S18 category for Luka and his friends so he can compete on an even footing in NZ as he does internationally.
We will keep you updated. Thank you all.
Enjoy the following clip. Luka was recently on TVNZ 1 Sport. You'll see him watching the footage for the first time. The excitement.
Latest donations
Hi Lucas and Noah. I am very happy you are helping me get to Turkey. I am going to the pool 5 times a week now and swimming as fast as I can. On a Monday I go to a pool that is 50 meters. It is the only pool in Christchurch which is long enough. All the others were broken in the earthquakes. I will send photos of my races in Turkey. Thank you from Luka
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.