MEDIA RELEASE

Tri Star opens gym floor to Halberg kids

Mt Roskill’s Tri Star Gymnastics Club is opening the floor to Auckland’s young disabled community this Sunday to support their participation in the classic children’s sporting activity.

In partnership with the Halberg Trust and Westpac, Tri Star will host the foundation movement open day, which has been specifically designed for young people with physical and sensory impairments.

Halberg Trust Sports Opportunity Adviser, Chris Smith says the aim of the event is to introduce children to foundation movement skills through play and exploration of different movement patterns.

“Every parent and guardian knows that motor skills development is important for their child and this type of movement programme is a great and enjoyable way to help build these vital foundation skills,” says Chris.

“At the Halberg Trust we aim to give disabled youth equal opportunity to enhance their lives through sport, so we’re thrilled to work with Tri Star and Westpac to make foundation movement programmes accessible for Auckland’s young disabled community,” he says.

Sunday’s open day event is an adapted version of Gym Sports New Zealand’s popular moveMprove programme.

With support from Westpac volunteers, the day’s activities will be delivered by qualified movement specialists from the Tri Star Gymnastics Club.

Chris says the moveMprove programme is designed to give children more confidence when participating in sport and recreational activities.

“This type of sporting activity is especially beneficial to children whose disability may mean they face additional barriers relating to muscle development, balance and coordination,” he says.

Westpac have been the Halberg Trust’s principal sponsor since 2007 and volunteer staff are on hand to help at every Halberg Sport Opportunity event around the country.

Te Atatu Westpac Bank Manager Afiafi Leala says she and more than 25 volunteers are delighted to attend the Tri Star open day.

“For us the day is all about inclusion and having fun, and we are prepared to assist anyone and everyone who needs us – from those children who need help to balance, to those who want to challenge our volunteers to a handstand competition!,” she says.

Media are welcome to attend the Open Day on Sunday 12 June, 10am – 1pm at Tri Star Gymnastics Club, KeithHayPark, off Arundel Street, Mt Roskill.

ENDS

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