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Swimming in Special Olympics New Zealand’s National Summer Games is no easy kickboard across the pool for competitors like Tauranga’s Cara Rose.
The Weekend Sun
Cara’s special dream Tauranga swimmer Cara Rose is training hard to make the Special Olympics’ World Games in Los Angeles in 2016. Photo by Bruce Barnard.
By Merle Foster
Manawa Ora
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The 35-year-old, focused on her training at Greerton pools for the November 27-30 event in Dunedin, has a deeper dream of being selected for the Special Olympics’ World Games in Los Angeles in 2016. “I love swimming and have such a passion for it,” says Cara. “I’m really excited about the Nationals and I want to make the Worlds again to prove what I’m made of and that I can do it.” When Cara gets in the pool she is no longer a person with Down Syndrome – she’s a swimmer. “That’s why I love it so much.” Family friend Jane Lyle says Cara has been swimming since age five, has trained with Masters teams and won medals at the 1999 Special Olympics World Games in Atlanta. “Cara has competed in many club events growing up and swimming in Special Olympics for a long time. She’s always been a good swimmer – now she’s swimming at her best.”
Coach Pat Wakelin says Cara is very competent in all four strokes and “her speciality is individual medley”. While Special Olympics is for those with an intellectual disability, Pat says the events are very competitive and no flutter across the pool – Cara trains hard and competes to win. “We’ve had spectators at Special Olympics competitions in awe of their skills,” says Pat, Cara’s coach for 13 years. “She’s motivated and serious about swimming and trains early – via individual programme – on her own accord. We turn up at the pool at 11am and she’s been there since 10am.” Cara is one of nine swimmers – and 47 Tauranga athletes – heading to Dunedin. Competing in 100m individual medley, 200m freestyle and 50m breaststroke, winning Gold, Silver or Bronze allows her to seek nomination for the World Games.
Stress – how do we manage this? Part four of supporting our immune system is looking at how we manage our stress. They say occasional stress is actually good for us, but it’s the chronic, long term stress that plays an adverse part in our health. There are many books out there suggesting anti-stress ideas like meditation. But if you are anything like me, the closest you can get to having time to meditate is the time you get into bed, before you fall asleep. There is another option: Mindful Meditation. It’s about learning to
be in the moment. For example, when driving to work/school be present in that moment, watch where you are driving and what is going on around you. It’s so easy to be driving to work, thinking about the shopping list, texting a friend and trying to stop the kids squabbling in the back seat. So just try doing one thing, in that moment, and you will be surprised how slowing down can slow your system down. You could
also force a smile. Bernie Siegel (MD), an expert in the field of mind-body medicine, says if you pretend to be happy by forcing a smile or a laugh, your body will react by producing less cortisol. So there you go, two simple, achievable techniques to assist with reducing stress. Give it a go. A mindful day, being aware, smiling or laughing…doesn’t sound that hard really.
Taylor Burley
Kleiman
Plunket support Music lovers can support plans to develop a new multipurpose Plunket centre in Te Puke with a fundraising concert on Sunday. Auckland-based Priest Chris Skinner will perform at The Orchard Church concert, along with the Bay of Plenty Men’s Choir – with all proceeds going to the building fund. Chris will sing a range of religious songs and hymns. Tickets are $15 and available from Paper Plus Te Puke or by prebooking tickets at The Orchard on 573 8961.