Cade Lucas
A lot of kids enjoy playing sport.
Some even love it.
For 11 year old Truganina school girl Tiare Akaruru neither verb seems appropriate.
“She is active 5 days a week with sports and training.
That includes both baseball and netball training, playing, netball academy and strength and conditioning training,” explained Tiare’s mother Chermene of her daughter’s weekly sporting schedule that requires a lie down after reading.
Fortunately Tiare squeezes in time for that too.
“She has two days off for rest and recovery which has become very important for her well being,” Chermene Akaruru said.
Phew!
This may seem like overkill for a kid still in primary school (where she is school captain, of course), but if you were as talented as Tiare Akaruru, you’d probably spend every waking hour playing sport too.
Akaruru is already a state representative in both baseball and netball, despite only starting both in the last two years.
She’s been selected in the state under 12 netball team for the national championships in September, while earlier this year she pitched for the Victorian little league team
baseball team, just a year after taking it up.
Chermene Akaruru said her daughters physical prowess was evident from when she was three, something she attributes to Taire’s dad.
“Her talent is from her father who was also very active as a child.
Her father played Rugby and Rugby League and made the Cook Islands Rugby 7s team.”
The Akaruru’s are part of a growing Polynesian community in the western suburbs and their sporting ability extends to Taire’s younger brother, also a gifted baseballer, and her grandfather, an ex-golfer, who’s been teaching her to swing a club too.
Chermene Akaruru thinks netball will ultimately win out, but for now, her daughter’s enjoyment is the main goal.
“It has always been hard trying to balance fun with progression but we have come to the realisation that if Tiare is having fun, progression (with help) will no doubt eventuate.”
