Agnes Pajor, second from left at the back, coaches  at Champion Lakes Boating Club.
Camera IconAgnes Pajor, second from left at the back, coaches at Champion Lakes Boating Club. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Champions Lakes Boating Club kayak coach says the sport ‘prepares kids for life’

Jessica WarrinerComment News

AGNES Pajor’s enthusiasm for kayaking has been invaluable for young paddlers at the Champion Lakes Boating Club.

Pajor started kayaking at the age of 10 in Hungary, where she competed for seven years.

“Kayaking is one of the most popular sports in Hungary, and it gave me unique memories and life-long friends,” she said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The paddler started to coach children while studying for her BSc in Engineering, also undertaking a two-year special kayak coach course at the University of Sport Science in Budapest, and later a Level 1 Canoe coach certificate in Australia.

Pajor moved to Perth two years after migrating to Australia, and said Champion Lakes seemed the perfect sport with a world class venue.

“I joined the club and soon became involved with coaching the Masters then the kids,” she said.

“We have reached the point to have more than 15 kids doing it regularly. They’re very successful in state events, and won several state championships in different age groups.”

Five young people from the club are set to travel to Sydney for Nationals in March 2018.

“It’s my greatest pleasure to share my hobby with anyone,” Pajor said.

“Just looking at the kids’ faces when they are focusing on a drill or watching their big smile after a race is very rewarding.

“I believe that doing sport as a child not only builds character but also prepares kids for life by teaching them about teamwork, persistence and how to cope in good or bad times.”

Club parent Britt-Marie Good-Gerne said Pajor was always in the water kayaking with her juniors, and dedicated to helping them achieve their very best.

MORE: The Bump WA has funding cut

MORE: Paedophile released in WA despite being a “serious danger” to the community

MORE: Western Force loses Supreme Court appeal to remain in Super Rugby