Banks Peninsula Community Board is proud to support Banks Peninsula youth in their endeavours, whether they be educational, cultural, representative, capacity building, or sporting, by granting funds towards their expenses from the Boards Youth Development Fund.

McKenzie Drage, a recent recipient of a Youth Development grant, achieved outstanding success at the Oceania Tri Series Swimming Championships, held in Hawkes Bay in September 2023. The funding allowed her to represent New Zealand in para swimming with two teams from New Zealand racing against two teams from Australia. "It was a major highlight wearing the silver fern for the first time," she said.

McKenzie placed 1st with a new personal best time in the 100m Individual Medley Mixed Multi-class, 3rd in the 100, Breaststroke Mixed Multi-class and 3rd in the 50m Freestyle Mixed Multi-class.

McKenzie thanked the Board, saying "This was an amazing opportunity to develop my racing skills and engage with Para athletes from Western Australia and Victoria. It increased the intensity and competitiveness of my racing experience, as well as providing new skills in yoga, and media/personal branding.

With support from Aquagym Swim Club and Swimming NZ, next year will involve working towards achieving qualifying times for Para World Swimming Champs in 2025 and Paralympics in 2028".

The Community Board congratulates McKenzie on her success and wish her the very best for achieving her future goals.

A further article about the Tri Series games can be found here.