My name is Pamoana Pirikahu and I am 14 years old. I am also a State and National swimmer from Busselton. 

Swimming is my passion, it is something that I love to do every single day. I have been swimming competitively since the age of 8 when I was diagnosed with severe asthma, which also had a significant impact on my mental health. Jumping in to the pool and chasing that black line every day, meant I no longer required daily medications, swimming ended up being the only medicine that my mind and body required.

In a single week, I train 6 days, 9 sessions, swimming between 30-40kms overall. I am extremely dedicated to the sport of swimming and I work hard every single day. I believe that through hard work, I can achieve anything that I set my mind to. I have many goals, and my motto is, ‘if I can see it in my mind, I can hold it in my hand’. I have qualified to compete at a State level for the past 5 years, and this year I have also qualified for the 2024 National Australian Age Championships which is held in the Gold Coast in April 2024. Another goal of mine that I have envisioned for a very long time. 

There are many expenses involved with the sport of swimming, especially for Regional families. The most obvious expense is travel, whether it be to and from the pool each day, to Perth for competitions, or across the other side of Australia for Nationals. Accommodation is another big cost, along with sporting equipment. A single pair of my racing bathers cost an average of $600, and I require several of these as they are extremely fragile and do not have a long lifespan.

I am reaching out to you in the hopes that you could help make an impact on my fundraising goal that will help me swim my way to the Gold Coast. Any amount that is donated is significant to me, and I am grateful that you believe in me as much as I do. 

I would like to thank you for your time, and your donation.

Pamoana