With the resumption of international sports, SMC has a strong contingent of students wearing the silver fern when they head overseas to compete in their respective fields.
Director of Sport Helen Belcher says that while SMC girls have regularly represented New Zealand in rowing and tennis, there has been growing interest in basketball and kayaking, and orienteering and fencing have been introduced as new codes at the College.
“International competition is hugely important for the girls – it exposes them to a higher level of play and develops their skills. It gives our athletes the opportunity to combine overseas travel and play the sport they love while having a strong support system around them. For those of our students looking at applying for overseas universities, it will enhance their applications.”
Belcher says that competing internationally helps the girls to develop confidence, gives athletes the opportunity to experience other cultures and perspectives, and to develop independence and adaptability.
“These athletes are particularly humble about their achievements and grateful for the opportunities that are available to them this year.”
The students heading or already offshore are:
- Ivy Brown is in the U17 national basketball team vying for honours in the U16 women’s FIBA Asia Cup in Jordan. Finishing in the top four will earn them a spot in the U17 women’s FIBA World Cup, which is held next month (July) in Hungary.
- Katherine Babington is in the NZ Junior World Orienteering Championship team of six young women and six young men competing at the upcoming Junior World Orienteering Champs in Portugal.
- Anna Babington and her sister Katherine are in the New Zealand Schools Orienteering team travelling to the Australian Schools Championships in September. Both girls are also competing at the European Youth Orienteering Champs in Budapest in early July although not representing New Zealand.
- Jemma Burrowes and Grace Farrell are part of the U19 New Zealand Women’s Eight competing at the 2022 World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Varese, Italy 27 – 31 July.
- Brie Cox has won selection for the NZU18 Sprint Kayaking team and will compete in the Asia Pacific Cup in Japan, September 29 – October 2. She is also in the Canoe Racing New Zealand Talent ID training squad.
- Lucia Gale made the U15 tennis team that will compete in Queensland at the Australian Teams event.
- Milo Neil has been on guard in Sydney at the Oceania and Australian Cadet (U17) Fencing championship. Milo’s also has been selected for the New Zealand team in the Commonwealth Fencing championship (U17/cadet grade) to be held in London, August 9-20.
- Ruby Young is shortly heading to Australia and Fiji to compete in U18 International Tennis Federation tournaments, although isn’t part of a NZ team as players enter themselves.
