Wheelchair user Hayden Lynex takes to indoor rowing at first Masters Games

Being a wheelchair user was no obstacle for indoor rower Hayden Lynex. Photo / Annette Johnston CMGSPORT

Being a wheelchair user was no barrier to one entrant in the 2021 Downer New Zealand Masters Games, as 33-year-old Hayden Lynex took to the indoor rowing competition with ease.

Born in Whanganui and now living in Gisborne, Lynex entered the Masters Games for the first time this year alongside his father Jeff, a seasoned participant at the Games.

"My dad has competed for the last few years, so it's more just to have a weekend away with Dad and try something new," Lynex told the Chronicle after his first race.

"This is my first time at the Games. I actually thought it was an old person's event until I realised I was old enough."

Born with a progressive genetic disorder which affects the spine, Lynex was able-bodied and didn't become symptomatic until his mid-teens. Now using a wheelchair, he said life has its challenges.

"There's always things you have to adapt to overcome. But it's easy here, everything's accessible and everyone's accommodating.

"I do a lot of things but not competitively. A bit of surfing, a bit of skiing."

After being involved in social rowing for five years, Lynex thought the Games were a good opportunity to get stuck into a social competition.

"It allows me push myself like anyone else without excuses or limitations.

"I've competed in competitive rowing on the water, but this is actually my first time at an indoor rowing comp. The machine is a bit different than on the water, there's no wind or tide to help you out."

The Downer New Zealand Masters Games were officially opened on Friday. Photo / Paul Brooks

On Monday afternoon hundreds flocked to the Games Hub at the War Memorial Centre for an afternoon of drinks in the sun.

Alongside her group of six from Levin, Wendy McLean said her first time at the Games had been a great experience.

"It's our first time here. We're participating in indoor bowls," McLean said.

McLean said they were attracted to the Games because it was the ideal social and sporting event.

"The sport that we love. Good people, people from all over the country. It's a good social event."

Also participating was Whanganui's Stan Hiroti, who was waiting for his indoor rowing race after participating in the waka ama.

"It was wonderful, I loved it. It was the first time I've been in the waka ama and I really enjoyed it, even though I fell out," Hiroti said.

"I've come many times before, but this is the first time for me in five years. I tell you what, I love it. Hopefully I'll still be here in years to come."

Games manager Rachel O'Connor said the first three days of the event had run smoothly, with stunning weather and a great atmosphere among participants.

"Everything's falling into place really nicely. All the sports are running to schedule and obviously the weather is amazing. It's going really well," O'Connor said.

As of Monday afternoon, 4780 people had registered to participate at the Games, up on the 4200 from the last event.

"The response has been really positive," O'Connor said.

"People are loving it and having a great time looking around the city. There's a buzz everywhere you go. People are really enjoying it."