SPORT
Family affair for NZ-born Samoan at Invictus games Faamanu (Nu) Taulafo Filo Leaana will be tapping into all the elements that make him who he is when he represents the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. The Invictus Games is the only international adaptive sporting event
for wounded, injured and ill active duty and former service members. This year’s event, in Sydney from October 20-27, will involve competitors from 18 allied nations in 11 adaptive sports. Faamanu, an amputee who has also suffered PTSD and depression,
Miramar’s Nu Filo trains on a rowing machine for the next month’s Invictus Games being held in Sydney. PHOTO: Supplied
will compete in powerlifting, rowing, shot put and discus. The Miramar resident lost his lower right leg and the middle finger of his right hand at Waiouru in 2006 after a fellow soldier who had picked up live ammunition put it into a rubbish bin and it exploded when the bin was emptied. “It was a freak accident, which could have been avoided, but lessons were learnt from that day. You’ll now see posters up around army camps about what you do when you see live ammunition in the training area,” Faamanu says. The accident happened five years into his army career and forced a rethink. He’s now an IT analyst for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington and is training to compete at his third Invictus Games. “This year is different because the last couple of years my family were unable to travel to the United States and Canada but the convenience of the Games being held in Sydney means more of my family and friends will get to attend and enjoy them. “When I’m going through my journey I will also have my family there for the ride, going through those hard times too. Seeing them enjoying Sydney will put a smile on my face.” Parents Sinapati Leaana Filo and Senia Filo, who moved to New Zealand from Samoa 43 years ago, will be leading his family support team.
Thursday September 20, 2018
Sports talk
with Jacob Page
Beauden’s boot finally costs All Blacks It’s time Beauden Barrett’s goal kicking came under the scrutiny it needs. For a long time, his general play around the field has got him through but in Saturday’s 36-34 loss to the Springboks it was a glaring problem. I grew up watching rugby with my Granddad and he always said you pick your captain first and then your goal kicker. This loss proved how impor ta nt that simple for mula can be in the outcome of games. Yes, the All Blacks gifted them two intercept tries but had Barrett kicked his goals to an All Black standard, New Zealand would have escaped. Barrett kicked just two of six conversions and at least two of them were makeable by a goal kicker worth his salt. To heap more misery on the Wellington playmaker, both he and Damian McKenzie were on the park
and no one went for a drop goal in the last minute. Rugby has become a game of tries, not goal kicks and drop goals, but when a penalty goal or drop goal is enough to win a game, someone needs to have that skill and execute it under pressure similar to Saturday’s game. T h e A l l Bl a ck s d id enough to win the test match. Take nothing away from the Springboks who deservedly won the contest through taking their chances, producing relentless defensive pressure and rattling the usually unflappable men in black into poor mistakes. This has to be a wake-up call that points can’t go begging no matter how much of a genius Barrett is in general play. Credit to South Africa - an absorbing test match which the All Blacks, to a man, must learn from.
EASTERN SUBURBS
SPORTS TRUST SPONSORED BY MIRAMAR & KILBIRNIE THE EASTERN SUBURBS SPORTS TRUST HAS GRANTED $5,200 IN AUGUST 2018 TO EASTERN SUBURBS SPORTS TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS, KINDERGARTENS, SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND SPORTS CLUBS ETC.
DEAN GALT (ESST) WITH MEMBERS OF THE ST PATS COLLEGE 1ST ELEVEN HOCKEY TEAM – TRAVEL TO TOURNAMENT
MEMBERS OF THE RONGOTAI VOLLEYBALL CLUB – TRAVEL TO NATIONALS
KIRSTIE RAE WITH NZ SINGLET ON 3RD IN AUSTRALIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY
THE EASTERN SUBURBS SPORTS TRUST HAS GRANTED TO THE FOLLOWING EASTERN SUBURBS SPORTS TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS • KAYE WILSON
15
• WELLINGTON HARRIERS CLUB – JUNIOR TEAMS TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND ROAD RELAY CHAMPS • MIRAMAR SOFTBALL CLUB – UNIFORMS SOCIAL WOMEN’S TEAMS • SCOTS COLLEGE BASKETBALL CLUB & SHARON CHARLTON – MASTERS CROSSFIT GAMES • EASTERN SUBURBS CRICKET CLUB – EQUIPMENT FOR JUNIOR
FOR
2018/19
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY THE EASTERN SUBURBS SPORTS TRUST HAS GIVEN AWAY TO DATE $1,728,505
SEASON