May 23, 2024
Cowan close to representing country at Paralympics
A kaihoe from Ngāti Kahungunu could be on his way to representing this country in the va’a or outrigger canoe section of the Paris Paralympics.
Lara Collins from Waka Ama New Zealand says 27-year-old Peter Cowan lost a leg as a schoolboy in Napier when he was hit by a car while training for a triathlon.
For several years he has focused on canoe events, and this month came second at the Paracanoe World Championships in Hungary, earning Aotearoa a quota spot for Paris in September.
He’s had invaluable help from experienced waka ama coach Mike Nuku.
“It’s super-great he’s taken on this role to coach Peter and learn a lo about the para side of our sport and what it takes for somebody with a para disability to take part and how to get the most out of Peter. It’s been a great journey to watch,” Ms Collins says.