Halberg Youth Council leader Jaden Movold and Halberg Advisor Siobhan Terry at the 10th Halberg Games at King’s College, Auckland, last month. Photo / Photosport
Halberg Youth Council leader Jaden Movold and Halberg Advisor Siobhan Terry at the 10th Halberg Games at King’s College, Auckland, last month. Photo / Photosport
Many kids with disabilities are missing out on the benefits of sport due to higher costs for things like access, lessons and specialist equipment, and the Halberg Foundation is desperate to change that by launching its Make Play Possible campaign.
The campaign, which runs until the end of the month, is raising vital funds for people in need, with every dollar given to the Halberg Foundation going directly towards creating opportunities for children who are often left on the sidelines simply because of their disability.
The charity was set up in 1963 by legendary New Zealand Olympian Sir Murray Halberg in a bid to make sport accessible to everyone, believing that regardless of your physical ability, everyone should be able to participate in sport.
The Halberg Foundation continues to live by that motto, and stages inclusive events like the Halberg Games, which enable young athletes aged 8-21 with a physical disability or visual impairment to take part in sport in an inclusive environment.
Isabel Venter with Halberg Foundation chief executive Tom Smith. Photo / Photosport
But the costs are making it more difficult for people to participate, and Halberg Foundation chief executive Tom Smith is desperate to change that.
“Sir Murray said that everyone should have the opportunity to play sport,” said Smith.
“We’re still failing them because there’s still thousands of young people out there that just aren’t getting the opportunity to participate in sport.
“If you’re not actively participating in sport or you’re not part of a team or a group of people, you’re going to lack self-confidence. These opportunities that people miss in sport, they lead to lack of ... opportunities in life.”
Isabel Venter is an example of a child who has benefited from the Halberg Activity Fund grant. She was born with an upper limb difference and, with the support of Halberg, she managed to participate in the Games and start riding lessons.
“I really like being around the horses,” said Isabel.
“It makes me feel happy, calm and relaxed. When I first started I was quite weak and couldn’t do everything I wanted to, but I’m getting stronger.
“I really enjoyed Halberg Games because I could compete with other people with the same limb difference as me.
“My favourite part was the rock climbing because it exercises both of my arms. I loved the experience, and I hope I can go again.”
Despite all that, Smith is pleased to see the number of kids benefiting from taking part in events like the Halberg Games, which is proving to be a stepping stone to further success.
He highlights the success of wheelchair racers Jaden Movold and Sarah James, who have benefited from participating.
“It’s also about the kids coming to the Halberg Games for the very first time,” said Smith.
“These are children who often aren’t picked for Aims Games or rep teams. They’re the ones left behind in class when their peers get to put on the Auckland Blues jersey or the green of Manawatu.
“They’re left out, and for them, the Halberg Games might be the first time they’re away from home without their parents.
