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Second Place for Mykal!

Mrs Kelley Heron —

The Halberg NZ Junior Disability Games were held over the holidays at Kings College in Auckland. These games are an annual three day event and students from all around New Zealand compete in a host of different sports. Our own Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opened the games.

This year Mykal Mayne was part of the Bay of Plenty Squad and competed in Boccia against 16 other competitors in his grade. Boccia is similar to bowls in that competitors try to get their ball as close to the white target ball as possible. Boccia differs from bowls in a couple of ways; competitors are seated and can either throw or use ramps to launch their balls towards the target. Just like in bowls though a good strategy is vital for success.

Mykal played well. He won his qualifying games, and progressed undefeated into the final. After a very exciting tie breaker match with a player from Otago Mykal came out with second place.

Mykal dreams of participating in the 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris, although his most immediate goal is to make the New Zealand Development Squad. Mykal trains regularly and his coach (a former Paralympic medal winner) thinks he can go all the way!