Halberg dream boosted with donation for library

Matakorama Waipouri, 9, and Leah Hickey, 17, with the Halberg staff members Maia Lewis and Justin Muschap. Photo / Dean Purcell

Sir Murray Halberg had a vision in 1963 of a New Zealand where all children could participate in sport - even if they were physically disabled.

Since then, the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation has worked to make this dream a reality and is one of the recipients of this year's Auckland Airport 12 Days of Christmas awards, receiving a $10,000 donation.

The foundation hosts the AllSports programme that works with physically disabled young people and their families, schools and communities to ensure they don't miss out on the benefits sports provide.

Such benefits are not just limited to the physical wellbeing of the children but the social aspect of sport, where social skills and friendships flourish.

The programme offers a range of activities, such as wheelchair rugby, power-chair football and wheelchair curling.

With the money donated the foundation plans to set up a library of adapted equipment available throughout New Zealand for people to hire.

Some of the equipment will include adapted wheelchairs for sports and specialty trikes that provide the stability necessary for children with cerebral palsy. Such equipment is costly for families who also have to face additional costs for transport and medical treatment.

Foundation chief executive Geoff Burgess says the donation will make a big difference in many lives.

"This grant will allow us to begin a project we have been dreaming of for over a year now."

Charles Spillane of Auckland Airport says the Halberg Foundation plays an important role in helping all New Zealanders participate in sport.

"We thought the concept of a library for adapted sporting equipment was a fantastic initiative and we were thrilled to fund the project."

The $120,000 was raised by the Auckland Airport and members of the travelling public.

A Herald-Auckland Airport charity project: Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to NZ charities as part of its 12 Days of Christmas initiative this year. The Herald is profiling each of the winning charities.