MEDIA RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE: 01.08.08
Kilbirnie afternoon tea for Halberg recipients
Twelve young disabled sports people have been invited to share their inspiring stories at Westpac Kilbirnie Branch next
week, Tuesday 5 August, and organisers are hoping to inspire more disabled people in the Wellington Region to get more
active more often.
The participants will share their stories of how their lives have changed as a result of equipment and activities made
possible by grants from the Halberg Trust, such as, trampolines, trikes and tandem bikes, one-on-one swimming lessons
and attending school camps
The Halberg Trust helps young disabled people to take part in sport and leisure activities alongside their peers in an
inclusive environment. The Trust, in partnership with Regional Sport Trusts, employs Sport Opportunity Advisors to raise
awareness and administer the Halberg Trust Activity Fund.
“The Trust wants to spread the word to parents and disabled young people so that they can access the grants and get
involved in activities which they can enjoy with their peers”, says CEO Graeme Taylor.
“We really want to celebrate these people’s achievements as well as raise awareness of what sport and leisure activities
can do for their lives. We also want to engage with Westpac staff right across New Zealand as this is a new grass-roots
element to our great partnership with the bank.”
The “celebrate and inspire” events are part of the partnership programme between Westpac and the Halberg Trust. Westpac
staff already partner with the Halberg Trust all over New Zealand to help more disabled people get access to sport and
leisure.
Bank staff are encouraged to use their volunteer’s days with helping the Trust, after they have undergone training in
its disability awareness training programme. Staff have already supported disabled people during Auckland’s Round the
Bays, and YMCA Women’s Fun Run/Walk and Wanganui’s Mayoral Mile and 60 staff will volunteer at this year’s Snowscapade
at Turoa Ski Field, later this month.
The people attending the Kilbirnie afternoon tea will receive a special “certificate of inspiration” with a message from
Sir Murray Halberg, the founder of the charity.
Wellington based Halberg Trustees; Andy Leslie, Bill Brien, Roger Brennand and Paul Cameron will be representing the
Halberg Trust on Tuesday.
Media are invited to attend the event being held on Tuesday 5th August 4.30pm – 5.30pm at Westpac Bank, Kilbirnie
Branch, Corner of Coutts and Onepu Roads, Kilbirnie, Wellington.
ENDS