Teen bound for a challenge
Matamata’s Taine Morrissey, 16, has never let anything get in the way of having fun.
Taine has been nominated to take part in this month’s Halberg Outward Bound Activate Physical Disability Course in the Marlborough Sounds and while he doesn’t know exactly what’s in store, he’s going to give everything a go.
Taine has spina bifida but doesn’t let that affect his involvement with sport. He’s a talented swimmer and is currently training under Waikato high performance swimming coach Graeme Laing. He will be heading to Australia after Outward Bound to swim in the New South Wales Open.
‘‘I’m going over to get my international classification and I’ll do a couple of races while I’m over there.’’
In year 12 at Matamata College, Taine comes from a sporting family, which includes grandfather Brian Morrissey, a former All Black and Waikato representative.
He said having his grandfather around and hearing about his sporting success gave him inspiration, especially with his swimming.
Taine said he plans on learning heaps at the course and in the past had thought attending an Outward Bound course would be ‘‘pretty cool’’ and a great experience.
The course is being run from February 15-22 and is designed specifically for physically disabled young people aged 16 to 21 years.
Funds to cover the cost of the course have come in the form of sponsorship and the family has received great help from Hinuera Te Poi Lions and Matamata Kiwanis.
The course includes early morning wake-up calls, sailing and a high-rope course.
It will challenge participants mentally and physically, and aims to help them gain leadership skills while building their confidence and selfawareness.