Singleton chosen for talent camp

Northland's Mikaela Singleton was one of 21 swimmers to attend a Paralympics New Zealand talent identification camp in Silverdale, with an eye on competing at the Paralympics in years to come.

The 18-year-old Singleton has been identified by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) as a developing Para-swimmer after PNZ went in search of young up-and-coming potential athletes.

Singleton, who is formerly a student of Pompallier Catholic College but is now at the University of Canterbury, was joined at the camp by well-known Kiwi Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman, who lost parts of her limbs to meningitis at six months old in 2004, and other inspiring New Zealanders.

The swimmers were treated to an inspirational talk by Paralympian Mary Fisher, who raced in Dargaville earlier this year.

She shared with the group her swimming experiences since her outstanding performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The camp included coaching and advice, pool sessions, classification opportunities, and information on the Para-swimming pathway.

PNZ talent identification manager Hadleigh Pierson said: "We were thrilled with the record number of Para-swimmers at the camp.

"We have worked hard as part of the PNZ Express Lane Programme to increase the number of people with a significant physical impairment involved in Para-swimming."

In Rio 2016 Paralympic news, New Zealand's Rio 2016 Chef de Mission Ben Lucas declared he is impressed by the progress made toward staging the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after visiting the city for the first National Paralympic Committee Open Day in the history of the Paralympic Movement.

Lucas joined more than 40 delegates from 17 countries spanning the five continents and spent two days in Rio last week being updated on the project by the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and visiting competition sites across the city.

Lucas said: "I left assured that Rio is on track to deliver a great Games in 2016. I was particularly impressed with the Paralympic Village which will have its own distinct atmosphere and accessible facilities.

PNZ and Lucas will continue to monitor progress as we move towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games start date - which is around two weeks after the 2016 Olympics.