The first goal for the recently established Sport Muriwhenua, a group made up of local multisport enthusiasts, was to ensure Far North representation at the Iron Maori in Napier this weekend.
Spokesperson Shane Cooper noted 75 whanau from the Far North had registered for the coming triathlon, and were departing today to allow the younger members to take part in both the rangitane section tomorrow, and the senior individuals and team members to contest the open event on Saturday.
The group has been keenly involved in fundraising initiatives to cover the costs of competing by running sausage sizzles, market stalls and a zumbathon. However, it was the support from main sponsor Te Hiku Hauora which had primarily allowed the group to attend the event, Cooper said.
Of the bigger picture, the aim was to raise the group's profile, and help the organisation realise its objective: "To tautoko [support] the aspirations and efforts of our Muriwhenua whanau towards being more active and healthy." On behalf of the Sport Muriwhenua collective, Cooper thanked Te Hiku Hauora for providing the funding opportunity, and also thanked the roopu's planning committee for their selfless service this year.
"Our committee is working hard to provide support to our members leading up to the event with monthly training wananga [workshops] that provide active training and support for members and first-time participants and are open to community participation. It's important to note that all this work is voluntary and done in our spare time. So any support towards our fundraising efforts goes a long way."
