Local Ukrainian swimmer chases Paralympic dream2 min read

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Onehunga is home to a remarkable young athlete, whose aim is to one day represent New Zealand at the Paralympics.

Artur Chernenko (21) arrived in New Zealand from Ukraine with his family in April 2022, seeking safety after experiencing the Russian-Ukrainian war firsthand. Since then, he has discovered a passion for swimming that is taking him toward national and international success.

Artur, who lives with a brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, and an intellectual disability, began competitive swimming in New Zealand – something he never had the opportunity to do in Ukraine. Training multiple times a week at Onehunga Pools and as part of the Special Olympics Howick Pakuranga team, Artur has already competed in five swimming events and won an impressive six gold medals, two silver medals, six gold ribbons, four silver ribbons and one bronze ribbon in 2024–2025 competitions across Tauranga, Auckland, Te Awamutu, and Hibiscus Coast.

Besides swimming, Artur participates in powerlifting, fitness classes, and diving in the summer. His commitment is unwavering, and his coaches describe him as “determined, disciplined, and resilient.” Weekly English lessons help him communicate with his coaches, and his family, particularly his mother Tanya, play a key role in supporting his journey.

Now, Artur faces a new challenge: funding. His parents volunteer weekly at New Hope Food Bank, and are still seeking paid work, so it makes it difficult to cover the costs of training and competitions. Artur is looking for a local business or individual sponsor to help him continue chasing his dream of representing New Zealand at the Paralympics.

“Even a small contribution can help cover training fees, travel costs, and competition entries, bringing Artur one step closer to the Paralympic stage,” says Tanya.

This is an incredible opportunity for our community to help a young man who has overcome so much to follow his dream.

This December, Artur will compete in the Special Olympics Nationals in Christchurch. With support from a sponsor, there’s no limit to what he can achieve – one determined stroke at a time.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Artur can contact Tanya on timtanya1974@gmail.com.