By Andy Richardson
STUDENT life is all about partying, late nights and, if you?ve time, attending the occasional lecture.
While this may be true for some youngsters, for Redcar?s NaiomiWise, a student of Liverpool John Moores University, life is centered around training, voluntary work ? and, if time permits, going to the odd Kanye West gig.
Wise was the deserved winner of last year?s Local Heroes Youth Award for Remarkable Achievement ? after fighting back from being told she had two days to live, she went on to compete in the World Dragon Boat Championships.
And she continues to be an inspirational figure ? when she graduates from university next year, she intends to become a swimming coach for disabled children. As Wise puts it.
?I wanted to go to the Olympics when I was younger but I had heart surgery. I received plenty of help when I was ill so I want to put something back, ? said the 19-yearold who hopes her own health problems are a thing of the past.
At the age of 12, Wise was diagnosed with the rare heart condition, mitral regurgitation and at 16, she was struck down with endocarditis and meningitis but she defied doctors to make a full recovery.
?Ididn?t know at the time I had two days left ? my mum kept it from me. But I came through ? they said it was because I was so fit. ?But nowmy health is fine. I just have an annual check-up tomake sure things are ok ? it?s all looking good? she said.
It was during her rehabilitation that she became involved in Dragon Boat racing and she is trying to start a team at university, where she is studying Sports Development.
?We?re waiting for funding, if I can get recognition from the University, we?ll compete at national Dragon Boat events? she confirmed, the trace of a scouse accent in her voice evidence of her year on Merseyside.
Living on a campus with excellent sports facilities on site and being a member of the university swimming team has helpedWise maintain her fitness levels.
?I?m looking to compete at theWorld Dragon Boat Championships in Poland in June next year.
?It will be a real step up for me because I?ll be competing with adults ? it?s like going from novice to Olympic level, ? confirmed Wise, who spends one day a week coaching swimming to disabled children. But she still finds time to sample the more relaxing aspects of the 2008 City of Culture.
?It?s not all training, I do get out and enjoy myself. The nightlife in Liverpool is amazing, I?m offto see Kanye West in concert soon.
?I?ve even become a bit of a Liverpool FC fan ? but Middlesbrough are really my team ? it they were playing each other I?d have to support the Boro, ? she insists.
Nigel Armstrong, Managing Director of The Bannatyne Group, said: ?Naiomi is a real inspiration.
?Her ability to overcome adversity and not let her condition get the better of her is truly admirable.
?Taking part in any sort of physical activity is beneficial to living a healthy lifestyle and can help in the recovery from injury or illness.
In Naiomi?s case exercise has also provided her with motivational goals that have helped her become a sporting success. ?
(c) 2008 Northern Echo. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
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