Building Champions with Lewis Clareburt
Over the month of August, on early Sunday mornings, we had the privilege of hosting a very special three-part swim clinic alongside our ambassador, Lewis Clareburt.
From the outset, this was no ordinary opportunity; eleven swimmers from across the Wellington region were carefully selected by their respective swim clubs and put forward to participate. What began as a single session filled with energy and excitement quickly grew into a remarkable journey of growth, confidence, and inspiration for a talented group of young athletes.
We kicked things off at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, where the pool came alive with talent, energy, and determination. Swimmers pushed themselves, learnt new skills, and soaked up wisdom from one of New Zealand’s best. The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear from the very first dive that this clinic was about much more than just swimming; it was about building confidence, making friendships, and creating memories to last a lifetime.
The second session took place at NZCIS – NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport, and the momentum only grew stronger. Swimmers refined their technique, built confidence both in and out of the water, and enjoyed the world-class facilities on offer. Beyond the pool, they were inspired by talks from our CEO, Derek Tilyard, and Jordan Mills, CEO of Mills Albert Wellington Saints, who spoke about perseverance, hard work, and chasing dreams. Their words gave the young athletes a powerful reminder that the lessons they’re learning in the pool reach far beyond sport.
The final session was a celebration of growth and achievement. Swimmers once again took to the water with determination, even facing the thrilling challenge of racing Lewis himself, a highlight that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Off the blocks, Rachel Taulelei, co-owner of Tokomanawa Queens, shared her inspiring rules to live by, encouraging the athletes to discover their own superpower. Her words left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of resilience and mindset in every aspect of life.
This last session also brought a special moment: the announcement of our scholarship winner, Tana. After demonstrating all-around excellence and the willingness to do what it takes to succeed, Tana was awarded the opportunity to spend a week in the life with Lewis Clareburt. A truly well-deserved achievement, and we can’t wait to see Tana embrace this experience.
Across all three sessions, our swimmers gave it their all. They refined their technique, grew their confidence, and most importantly, built a foundation of determination, resilience, and friendship that will serve them well both in and out of the pool.
We extend a massive thank you to Te Rauparaha Arena and NZCIS for hosting us in your incredible facilities, and to everyone who contributed to making this programme possible.