The parents of Wellington canoe sprinter Kayla Imrie will be cheering on their Olympian daughter after winning a trip to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, thanks to Volkswagen New Zealand.
Parents, James and Lynette Imrie, won the all-expenses paid trip after their daughter Kayla entered them into competition held by Volkswagen and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, who are long-standing partners. The competition recognises people from the community who support Kiwi athletes.
The judges were won over by Kayla's heartfelt entry, which detailed her parents' unwavering support, guidance and assistance throughout her sporting journey.
Mr and Mrs Imrie have helped Kayla emotionally and financially, often assisting with funding her trips away from home and supporting her through physical injuries and team selections.
"We've been on this journey just as much as Kayla has and this is a fantastic opportunity to ride the wave with her and to be a part of it is just amazing. We're very proud of her and it'll be great to be there to physically cheer the team on," says Mrs Imrie.
Volkswagen NZ General Manager Tom Ruddenklau says he is thrilled to be sending the Imries to Rio.
"We truly believe the people who support our athletes deserve equal recognition for the sacrifices they make in order for our athletes to excel. The Imries are a prime example of how family support has made a positive impact on Kayla's sporting career and they deserve to be there in person in Rio," he comments.
Kayla works as a part-time teacher aide with autistic children to support the costs that come with being an elite athlete and she gives credit to her parents for playing a big part in it. She says it means the world to her to have her parents at the Games.
"It's going to be one of the biggest moments of my life and to have the two most important people to me on the race line is exhilarating. It makes you want to do it not only for yourself, but for them," she says.
The Imries will be flown off to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August this year.
Volkswagen NZ has also partnered with the New Zealand Olympic Committee to send the family of Olympic rower Brook Robertson to the Olympic Games, as well as Taranaki man Graeme Mehrtens for his contribution to basketball in his local community.