Aria’s Canoe Polo Journey
Aria Wood, a 14-year-old aspiring canoe polo player, shared her remarkable journey and ambitions with our Milson Rotary Club, expressing gratitude for the club’s sponsorship that enabled her to compete internationally in China.
Aria took up canoe polo just two and a half years ago, starting with a “give it a go” program at her school. Despite being new to the sport and not knowing anyone, she quickly developed a passion for it. Her early experiences included joining school teams, participating in tournaments, and overcoming challenges—such as being tipped out of her boat in freezing water, which only strengthened her resolve.
Aria's journey so far is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support in helping young athletes achieve their goals.
Progressing rapidly, Aria joined the Kiwi Canoe Polo Club and began competing in national leagues, often as the youngest and least experienced player. She credits her coaches and teammates for their support and encouragement, which helped her develop both skills and confidence. Her dedication paid off with awards like “Player’s Player” and a trophy for sporting excellence.
Aria’s journey was not without setbacks. She faced disappointment when she was not selected for certain teams due to her you age, even though her skills matched or exceeded those of older players. Undeterred, she advocated for herself, successfully negotiating to trial for the Asia-Pacific Championships in China. A compromise was reached which allowed her to play, provided she travelled with an adult.
Canoe polo in New Zealand is self-funded, so Aria and her family undertook significant fundraising efforts, including raffles, sausage sizzles, and seeking grants. The support from our Milson Rotary Club and other sponsors was crucial in making her participation in the international competition possible.
In China, Aria’s team competed in extreme heat and faced strong international opponents. During the final, Aria suffered a dislocated shoulder after being tackled multiple times but showed remarkable resilience, returning to support her team from the sidelines. Despite the injury, she described the tournament as the highlight of her career so far, cherishing the camaraderie and the experience of playing at an international level.
Back in New Zealand, Aria continues to play and coach, even mentoring her younger sister’s team. She has been the youngest player in several regional and national competitions, consistently proving herself against older and more experienced athletes. Her teams have often exceeded expectations, achieving high placements despite being underdogs.
Looking ahead, Aria’s immediate focus is on recovering from her shoulder injury through physiotherapy, but her ambitions remain high. She aims to make the New Zealand team for the Oceania Championships when she is old enough and ultimately dreams of representing New Zealand as a paddle fern on the world stage.
Aria’s story is one of determination, resilience, and gratitude. She thanked the Milson Rotary Club and all her supporters for believing in her and helping her pursue her dreams.
If you’d like to help support our future leaders and sports stars like Aria Wood, get in touch with us! The Milson Rotary Club brings together everyday people from all walks of life who enjoy friendship, fun, and making a real difference in our community.