Paddling to the top
Scott Gray, an international Canoe Polo player, began his training at the Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC) and it is the grass roots, home-grown perseverance that has proven an advantage for both strategy and skill.
As an international competitor in Canoe Polo representing New Zealand, Scott Gray recognises that one of the biggest difference between Team New Zealand and their competition is the number 8 wire mentality. Many of the team, including Scott, began their training at local facilities. For Scott, that was at the Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC) and it is the grass roots, home-grown perseverance that has proven an advantage for both strategy and skill.
Years later as a team manager, a volunteer coach and a competitor Scott values and instils a similar philosophy into players he mentors. Canoe Polo is a self-funded sport in New Zealand so it’s with perseverance and determination that not only do teams need to qualify, they also need to raise funds to represent.
Scott applied and successfully received a representative grant through the Manawatū District Council and commented during his presentation to Elected Members how fitting it was that he was presenting on the doorstep of where it all began - at the MAC.
Scott was a successful secondary schools champion when he attended Feilding High School, went on to compete within the Oceanian Championship last year and this year was selected for the Under 21 NZ team after four months of trials and training camps.
The team finished 8th in the world, with many games seeing a one goal difference. The team’s closest regular international competitor is Australia who finished 17th within the 20 country competition.
Taking Canoe Polo to the international stage, not only builds the profile for the sport, for New Zealand and the Manawatū but also reinforces the need for community-based teams and local facilities that help to build self-confidence, develop resilience and most of all pride for the local community and the assets found within it.
The Makino Aquatic Centre and the Manawatū District Council are proud to be a small part in Scott’s Canoe Polo career.
Social Canoe Polo is offered on Friday nights at the Makino Aquatic Centre from 6pm.
Scott Gray, competing in the 2024 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships.