GEORGE THOMAS – Waka Ama paddler - To represent New Zealand at the International Canoe Federation Championships – Poznan, Poland!
On Sunday 15th August George Thomas will depart Auckland Airport, bound for Poznan, Poland.
He will be traveling 34 hours (67 hour round trip!) via Los Angeles, Frankfurt and Bangkok to represent New Zealand in the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships www.kayak2010.com.
George will be taking part in the V1 Para-canoeing event. The first time this event has been included into the Canoe world championships.
In 2005, 2 days before the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, George was on his way home from training when his car was hit by a drunk driver. George was lucky to escape the accident alive and his permanent injuries have been debilitating. As a result of the accident his legs were broken in over 200 places, his ankles had to be permanently fused, his pelvis plated and screwed and his legs have $25,000 worth of metal holding them together.
He went through much pain but never gave up the sport of Waka Ama that he loves and is deeply passionate about.
In March 2006, (only a year after his accident) George won the first Adaptive (Para) V1 500m race at the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships, held here in New Zealand (Lake Karapiro) and then defended that title 2 years later in Sacramento.
Earlier this year George competed at the IVF World Championships in the Para (adaptive) V1 500m event and again won the gold medal.
George is also an accomplished coach and has coached many junior teams from Rotorua and surrounding regions to National Secondary School title championships, National club championships and gold medals at World Sprint Championships.
All of George’s family are heavily involved in Waka Ama, his son (Tyrin) is the National open mens’ champion and his daughter (Dale) recently competed in Tahiti against some of the best paddlers Tahiti has to offer.
Over the past 2 years the International Va’a Federation and the International Canoe Federation have been working closely together to try to include V1 into the Para-canoe programme. The V1 (‘V’ short for Va’a – the Tahitian term for single person Waka Ama or Outrigger canoe) is a Polynesian watercraft that is 1000’s of years old. It has an ama or outrigger attached to the left hand side of the hull , making the vessel very stable and the ideal craft for adaptive or Paralympic paddlers.
There are many countries who now compete in Waka Ama on the world stage and Paralympic numbers are growing too, Italy, Hawaii, England, Canada, California, Australia all have sent paddlers to compete in Para (adaptive ) races since 2004.
Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa fully support George in his journey. We would love to be able to send someone with him on this epic trip from Rotorua to Poland however the cost (around $5000) prevents us from being able to send anyone with him this time.
The New Zealand Canoe Federation and the International Canoe Federation have been very supportive and the NZ Waka Ama community are appreciative of the efforts they have gone to, to assist George to get to Poland.
George Thomas (Ngati Pikiao) at the recent International Va’a Federation Sprint Championships in Noumea
For further details or information please contact
Lara Collins
President
Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa
0275484612
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Reader Comments
(This story is archived no further comments can be added)2361 paddlers have looked at this page
Hoana Parangi (Manukau Outriggers) - 11-Aug-2010
cheers
Big daddy
Anon Paddler - 11-Aug-2010
You have now set the mark for the sport that you are so passionate about "Waka Ama" amongst the worlds best. POLAND... (WOW!!)
Wish we could all be with you to cheer you on, but you know our thoughts and hearts are with you all the way.
Kia Kaha Coach.
Team Maui Kanu - Aotearoa - 09-Aug-2010
Shoney - 09-Aug-2010
Remember Triumph is just
Try with a little umph added.
We know you have heaps of Umph !!!!!!
Kia Kaha
Tappz and all your
"Mareikura Whanau" Tairawhiti
Denise &Tony Tapp - 09-Aug-2010
Me haere pai koe me hoki pai mai koe
Ka nui te mihi ki a koe George, kua piki koe ki te taumata o te waka ama
Akene pea me hoki mai ki Aotearoa ki te korero ki te awhi i nga nga tamariki mokopuna ranei nga ahuatanga o te mahi waka ama
Good Luck
Nana P
Anon Paddler - 09-Aug-2010
Raela - 09-Aug-2010
Very proud of what you have achieved and what you have brought to the sport of Waka Ama!!!
All our love and support
PS: I'm a size "L" in t-shirts now uncle ... brhahahaha
Muriwai Whanau - 09-Aug-2010
chris and Renee
Anon Paddler - 09-Aug-2010
Anon Paddler - 09-Aug-2010
John C & Mareikura Senior Master Mens team. - 08-Aug-2010
Te Puu Ao - 08-Aug-2010
HAVE A SAFE TRIP
MWAHHHHHHHHHH
MAREIKURA!!!!!! MANAWARU - 07-Aug-2010
GOOD LUCK CONGRATS GO HARD
HAVE A SAFE TRIP MUCH LOVE
MEAN MAORI MEAN
FROM LOUISE UNCLE JASON LIZZY AND DEISEL!!!!!
MAREIKURA!!!!!! MANAWARU - 07-Aug-2010
GOO LUCK ALL THE BEST
Anon Paddler - 07-Aug-2010
Man what a trip! i'ts been a busy year NATs,Noumea.paddle well bro. safe trip
Grant Barriball
Grant barriball - 07-Aug-2010
All the best
Brendon - 06-Aug-2010
Shaun Hardcastle - 06-Aug-2010
Tamaki Outrigger Canoe Club (AROCA) - 06-Aug-2010
Lara - 06-Aug-2010
TMOCC - 06-Aug-2010