Swimming

Access to participate in sport is sometimes taken for granted.  The great work that the Halberg Foundation (the Foundation) does has eased the ability for physically and visually impaired athletes to partake in sport.  Buddle Findlay prides itself on its involvement in the community and is pleased to mark two years of support and partnership with the Foundation.

Over the weekend (5-7 October), the Foundation hosted the annual Halberg Games which was held at King's College in Auckland.  The three day sports competition was open to 8-21 year olds with a physical or visual impairment, offering the opportunity for these athletes to represent their region in 20 different sports including swimming, wheelchair basketball, blind cricket, blind and wheelchair rugby, and athletics.

Buddle Findlay invited clients to attend the opening ceremony on Friday 5 October and staff, and their families, volunteered over the weekend.  The Halberg Games is a unique event in New Zealand and gives athletes an opportunity to enjoy the thrill of competition, healthy comradery and to make new friends.  For some athletes the Halberg Games are a stepping stone towards future sporting goals and even representing New Zealand in their chosen sport.

View a video summary of the 2018 Halberg Games.

About the Foundation

The Halberg Foundation is a charitable organisation founded in 1963 by Olympic legend, Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ) which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young people through sport and recreation.  The core work of the Foundation includes a team of regional advisers who connect physically disabled young people to sports and recreation opportunities.  They also deliver an inclusive training course and work with schools, and sport and recreation organisations on inclusive programmes and events.  The Foundation hosts the Halberg Games, a national three day sports competition for physically disabled young people.

 

Pictured above at the 2018 Halberg Games Opening Ceremony, King’s College Auckland (L-R):