The Young Māori Players (YMP) waka ama club claimed victory on Day 2 of the National Waka Ama Sprints Competition 2025, despite the battling weather conditions they faced during their lead-up.
The YMP Rukupō J16 men’s team won the 1000m finals, taking the YMP club to the top of the medal tally with 6 golds and 1 silver; runners-up in the final were Te Toki Voyaging Trust, with the Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club in 3rd.
YMP co-coach David Jones said the club wins are a testament to their paddlers’ hard efforts despite needing to change training venues twice due to water overflow in the Waipāoa River, Manutūkē.
“I puta ngā huarere whai muri mai i te Kirihimete, i hūnuku mātou me ō mātou waka i runga i te pōhiri a Ngāti Ira.”
“I tērā wiki anō hoki, i tuku anō te para kei roto i te wai. Nō reira i hūnuku anō mātou ki roto o Uawa.”
“Mihi me ki a rātou i whai wāhi ki te noho i runga i te awa ki reira, nā runga i ngā kaupare o te wā. Ko te mea kē ko te tūtae kei runga i te awa.”
The race was particularly significant for YMP, as it marks the first time the club has made it to the top of the medal tally.
Jones said their winning race shows the hours spent refining their technique and teamwork amid changing circumstances.
“Aua tama katoa i whakapau werawera. Nō reira ko tā mātou e kī ana, mā te mahi ngātahi, mā te whakapau werawera, mā te tuku i tō katoa, kua eke ai."
As the competition continues, all eyes will be on YMP as they look to carry this momentum forward and perhaps pursue securing the national status overall for 2025.
For the most complete and up-to-date information about the Waka Ama National Sprints competition - Live Results
