Sarah Colquhoun

Fourteen year old Sarah Colquhoun is a step closer to her dream of competing at the Paralympics thanks to swimming lessons received from a Halberg Activity Fund grant.

The Rangitoto College student has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her balance and coordination, and swimming helps strengthen her muscles and develop her fitness levels at her own pace.

“It is a really good overall body workout which is good for my legs,” says Sarah. “I love that I can swim against others with and without disabilities.”

“I don’t have to worry about what other people will think of me when I’m in the water as it is an individual sport,” she says.

Sarah is also gaining strength and speed in the pool with the guidance of her swimming coach, Dean Kent at Northern Arena.

“The lessons are helping me swim faster and better,” says Sarah. “Hopefully one day I will represent New Zealand in swimming at the Paralympics.”