MAC Mag 06

Mathew Bancroft competed in the World Open 29er Sailing
Championships in the United Kingdom and also in the British
Nationals. Mat was a member of a two person team and they were
placed 66th out of 105 which meant that they were placed 1st in the
Bronze Division in a field of 40 boats and in the Open British Nationals
they were 28th in a fleet of 84 boats placing them 3rd in the Silver Fleet.
Louise Jull is a member of the NZ Junior Kayak Team. She gained
a national title in the New Zealand Age Group Championships
before heading to Europe and then to the World Junior Champs in
Slovenia. Louise was placed 35th in the World Champs with a best
placing of 5th in the competition in the Czech Republic.
Sarah Battson successfully completed her grading for Black Belt
in Samurai Karate. It is very rare for a person of her age to have
achieved this feat. Later in the year Sarah returned to Australia - her
experience is described below:
“On Thursday 14 September I was in Melbourne for my Senior Black Belt grading (1st Dan).
The grading started at 7.00 pm and lasted for almost four hours. I would have to say that it
was the hardest thing I have ever done and most likely will ever do - it tested me mentally
and physically. The one time during my grading that I thought I could not carry on was in the
Kumite (fighting). It was full contact and anything goes, so it was just like ‘lets beat each other
to a pulp’. I had 7 or 8 fights and then we went on to three two-on-one fights. That was when
I really got physically beaten and eventually I actually collapsed. After my grading my body
was so sore and bruised but my mind was still pumping. Overall the trip was awesome and a
great experience but I don’t think I want to be doing it again for a while!”
Tara Hurley competed at the 2006 Disabled Snowsports’ Festival and
National Championships at Cardrona and came first in her event
gaining her the title ‘2006 Cardrona National Social Female Skier’.
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