As Paralympic swimmer Ben Austin battles it out at the Water Cube in Beijing, an enthusiastic 10-year-old has thought of the perfect homecoming for the world champion.
A commemorative photo and plaque dedicated to Ben Austin hanging at the to Wellington Swimming Pool is the bright idea of Molly Wilson-Griggs.
The ambitious primary school student has had the idea for well over 12 months and has written a letter to the Mayor asking for funds. Molly believes Ben deserves some recognition at his hometown training venue for his achievements.
“He is a good swimmer and has achieved a lot and has been to three Paralympics,” she said.
“We can put photos up and write some information on him and his achievements. Also paint the front entrance and gates his favourite colour. We can get some volunteers to help paint and we might get it done as a surprise for him when he comes home.”
Molly aims to raise $1000 to cover the project’s costs and is convinced Ben will love the idea.
“We could have a raffle and the winner gets two days of free fuel.”
Molly’s mother Sharon is right behind her daughter’s idea.
“She thought this up herself and has been raving on about it for a year,” she said.
Molly hopes to be a famous swimmer when she grows up, and is already following Ben’s footsteps by making it away to the district swimming carnival this year.
Ben will return from the Beijing Paralympics later this month.
Ben’s Paralympic campaign so far
Ben has competed in two S8 events at the Games so far.
After placing third in the heats and qualifying for the finals of the 100m butterfly on Sunday, he came fifth in the final with a time of 1:03.50.
On Monday, Ben won the heat of the 100m freestyle final and then placed fourth in the final with a time of 59.78. Tomorrow, he will contest the 200m individual medley.