Special Olympics North Harbour’s Pratima Patel worked hard to get fit and healthy in case she got the call up to go to the 2013 World Winter Games.
It didn't happen this time around but Pratima was very well prepared by stepping up her ski training. She also horse rides regularly, has taken up swimming and is going to the gym three times a week. All of this is helping to strengthen her legs and improve her overall fitness.
Pratima’s brother and sister also ski but it was a friend who got her started in the sport about five years ago.
Pratima works at Spencer on Byron Hotel on Auckland’s North Shore two days a week, and also attends the PEERs programme for two days. Along with this and juggling her sports and social life, she is kept very busy.