Twelve days of Christmas: Medals boost for special athletes

The grant will be used to buy medals for athletes like (from left) Monique Irvine, Patrick Holmes and Laura Harkins.

Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to Kiwi charities as part of its 12 Days of Christmas initiative. The Herald and Herald on Sunday will profile each recipient.

Playing sport can be hugely competitive, as people vie to achieve greatness.

But for those who take part in the Special Olympics events each year, just finishing a race - no matter what the place - and taking part is all the sense of accomplishment needed.

Each year, thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities take part in sports training and competition under Special Olympics NZ clubs and events.

Clubs offer training in a range of sports, including alpine skiing, swimming, athletics, basketball, tenpin bowling, indoor bowls, table tennis, powerlifting, snowboarding, golf and equestrian.

This year, the Special Olympics Upper North Island Regional Council - which represents clubs from South Auckland and up towards Northland - is a winner in the Auckland Airport's 12 Days of Christmas giveaway.

Twelve charities from around the country will receive $10,000 towards their cause. The money comes from unwanted currency put during the year into special donation globes throughout the airport.

Council vice-chairwoman Laurinne Laing said it was thrilled to be given the grant, which will be used to buy up to 2500 medals for participants competing in regular regional tournaments.

Mrs Laing said the medals, a big cost for the clubs, gave the athletes a great memento. "We have regular club athletes between 8 years old and 60 years old, who primarily have an intellectual disability.

"[Playing sport] and competing gives them a sense of achievement and it helps them to be the best they can be. They just all love it - and it's a real social thing. They get to hang out with their friends and have fun."

Mrs Laing praised the airport giveaway, which was helping not only their charity, but many other different causes around New Zealand.

Airport spokeswoman Anna Cassels-Brown said it was happy to support a charity doing big things for the disabilities community.

"This charity does so much to showcase the athletic talents of children and adults with intellectual disabilities

"We are delighted to be able to support their ... programme with this gift."

For more info go to
specialolympics.org.nz