Katrina Venner undertook a Sport Lived New Zealand Netball programme to Auckland between March and August 2008.

She enjoyed her Sport Lived programme so much she wrote a poem on her experience Down Under.

When I set off to these fair isles

I didn’t quite know what was in store.

I was hoping for adventure, new challenges & fun,

What I got was a whole lot more!

Adventure hasn’t been in short supply,

I’ve travelled, explored and dared,

I’ve grabbed hold of each opportunity,

Been excited, exhilarated and scared!

Katrina, Sami and Luke at Muriwai Beach Auckland

I’ve climbed, I’ve trekked, I’ve high wired,

I’ve snowboarded, ice hiked and I’ve flown

I’ve explored, discovered and toured

And through these adventures I’ve grown.

As for new challenges well there are many!

I’ve pushed myself in all sorts of ways,

From meeting new people, learning new things

I’m proud to say I’m now not easily fazed.

I’ve coached new gymnasts, I learnt a lot,

Taught new skills by new ways, new approaches.

I’ve worked hard to fit in and help out in the gym

To develop my skills alongside great coaches.

Then there’s the fun and the netball,

It was one of the main reasons that I came.

It’s always been a big part of my life and

I’d been looking for a more challenging game.

I’ve worked hard to adapt to wing attack.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the season

My analysing, scrutinizing and nervousness

I’ve worried without rhyme or reason

Now back to ‘normality’ and life at full pace,

And hopefully a little bit of sun.

But I’ll look back many times with great memories,

Many thanks to you all for each one.