Eru Whakatihi

Eru Whakatihi is a big believer in setting goals and doing his best to achieve them.

In 2011 he achieved his goal of going to the World Summer Games in Athens, where he came fourth in two freestyle events.

At present he's working towards the 2013 National Summer Games, aiming to improve his personal best in all aspects of his swimming so he can "get to the next level".

In his Global Messenger role Eru's goal is to "encourage other people to get involved with Special Olympics through telling them what it's all about, and how it has helped me".

Eru is well equipped for the job, having been heavily involved with Special Olympics Horowhenua for the past 18 years.

Along with swimming training four times a wekk, he can regularly be seen helping out with raffles and sausage sizzles, and has been serving on the Club's committee for the past four years.

Outside of Special Olympics, Eru enjoys watching rugby and rugby league, going camping and fishing, and hanging out with his family. He also works part-time as a cleaner at the Levin Cosmopolitan Club.