New Zealand's team for the world rafting championships will have extra inspiration when they head for Bosnia.
The team, five from Rotorua and one from Mt Maunganui, will race in memory of James Moore, the longest serving New Zealand team member who drowned last July when his canoe capsized
in stormy conditions off Mt Maunganui.
The 33-year-old had been taking part in a challenging training session with three others when conditions became treacherous, causing him to become separated from his canoe. His body was later found near Matakana Island.
Last month family and friends unveiled a memorial seat and plaque which have been erected to mark the spot where Mr Moore was last seen.
"We have a strong desire to produce the best possible result for James and for our home town of Rotorua and New Zealand," Nick Chater said on behalf of the new New Zealand team.
An inquest into Mr Moore's death was to be held in Tauranga this week.
Chater will be joined in the side by fellow Okere Falls locals Lance Roozendaal, Mike Dawson, Louis Gilmour and Johann Roozenburg and Mt Maunganui's Paul Roozendaal.
The team will compete at the world championships from May 17 to 24 in Bosnia, making the national team after winning selections on the Tarawera River in February.
Chater, who owns and operates Multi-Day Adventures in Rotorua, said while the event was not well known in New Zealand, it was taken very seriously in Europe. In many European countries raft racing is a professional sport with good money and televised coverage.
The biennial event will take place on the Vrbas and Tara Rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and comprises three disciplines - sprint, slalom and downriver. Points earned in each discipline are added to determine the overall winner and final positions and the Kiwis will compete against about 24 other teams.
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