After only two weeks of training, 11-year-old Saunaka villager Keni Saukuru tried competitive swimming for the first time.

“When you come from the village, it’s mostly rugby so we decided to try something new this year,” says his father and namesake Keni.

As the only child, Keni learnt to swim out of necessity.

“From a very early age we went out into the nearby Saunaka River to look for kai or fresh water mussels,” Keni said.

“So from swimming and diving for kai to competitive swimming, we now realise this is a very technical sport, especially with the different strokes,” he said.

The youngster is part of the 17-member Namaka Public Swim team competing at the two-day competition.