Be Inspired by Athletes With Disabilities

PUBLICITY RELEASE
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22 2006

Be Inspired by Athletes With Disabilities

TOA ANGA WHATI MAORI – the sports show that challenge perceptions about disabled athletes - returns to Maori Television with the new series on Friday October 6 at 8.00 PM.

Travelling the motu to meet disabled sportspeople and cover key events, TOA ANGA WHATI MAORI reveals their commitment and dedication, and profiles their various support networks, including organisations, clubs, family, friends and health professionals.

Presenter Rewa Hudson, a former champion tennis player, says the show is close to her heart because her father is in a wheelchair.

“I’ve been privileged to have the support of a loving and dedicated father, and he’s very proud of the show,” she says.

Rewa also added to her whanau during the making of this series. Pregnant at the start of filming, she gave birth to her daughter Atamai halfway through. Then Rewa took Atamai with her as she toured Aotearoa for the rest of the series.

“Atamai was the smallest member of the TOA ANGA WHATI MAORI crew,” jokes executive producer Hemana Waaka, of Tawharau Media Productions, which makes the series.

Hemana says he was once again impressed by the committed sportspeople who feature on the show.

“They are inspiring role models for all young atheletes, because they have to tackle not just their sport, but their disability. No matter what they face, they don’t let it get in the way of their goals.”

TOA ANGA WHATI MAORI is in English and Maori, and featured sports include wheelchair rugby and basketball, tennis, and athletics.

Get motivated with the new series of TOA ANGA WHATI MAORI, starting Maori Television on Friday October 6 at 8.00 PM.

ENDS

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