The Halberg Trust is synonymous with New Zealand’s Supreme Sports Awards, the “Halbergs”, however, its purpose it to enrich the lives of the physically disabled.
Last month Young Māori students from North Shore Colleges were given the opportunity to develop leadership potential within themselves and the community and to learn about inclusion with the Halberg Manaakitanga Leadership Programme.
Year 12 Westlake Girls students Ava Jericevich, Tiana Rameka, Rose Farr, Holly Williams and Cheyleigh Natana-Wihongi, were invited to attend the three-week course at Shore Junction in Takapuna to learn skills that would culminate in co-facilitating an adapted sports day for young disabled tamariki from local primary schools.
Already frontrunners in their sports, each student was challenged to understand and modify games to suit student disabilities. The students embraced and embodied the spirit of manaakitanga and worked hard to make the Junior Sports Day which included wheelchair basketball, gymsports, cross-fit, throwing and archery, a memorable and joyful experience for their disabled tamariki.
The students are heartfelt advocates of inclusion.
Pictured above from left: Ava Jericevich, Tiana Rameka, Rose Farr, Holly Williams and Cheyleigh Natana-Wihongi