Dealing with children and adults with disabilities inspires Erin Fitzgerald.
"I'm involved with those who have impairment and disabilities, so I motivate them so they want to take part in everything and get over any barriers," says Fitzgerald, who is the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation adviser for the Wellington/Hawke's Bay region.
"I deal with sports organisations and clubs. It's inclusive so everyone can take part," she says. She meets parents and their children to establish if they require "activity funds," which are financial grants to physically disabled under-21s for lessons or sports/school camps. "I'm on call 4-6 weeks," says Fitzgerald who will be back in the Bay on February 11, at Frimley Park for the annual Weet-Bix TRYathlon.
Napier mother Michelle McKelvie says Fitzgerald's skills will be a great asset for the region, after meeting her for the first time this week.
"Erin's lovely and a great ambassador of what the role entails and how to help people like us with finances and extras," McKelvie says.