Kilbirnie afternoon tea for Halberg recipients

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

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