In April, the Halberg Games took place at Auckland’s King’s College. Tamariki and rangatahi traveled from all over the country to participate in this exciting three day sport competition, which is for young people with a physical or visual impairment. This year almost 200 participants took part, making it the biggest Halberg Games on record.
Athletes participating in a running race on the track.
The weekend started off on a high note, with athletes and their supporters attending the opening ceremony, which was also attended by special guests such as Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Honey Hireme-Smiler, and Eric Murray. Over the three days that followed, participants had the opportunity to compete in 20 sports including swimming, rowing, athletics and so much more.
It was fantastic to see so many members of the blind and low vision community taking part in the games, with 26 vision impaired athletes competing. We had a great time chatting to lots of the athletes and their families at our Blind Sport NZ stall, and we even got to show off some of our brand new accessible sports equipment!
A big congrats to everyone who got came along and got involved. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Check out some of our pictures from the event below. You can find lots more over on the Halberg Games Facebook page.
Special guests including high profile athletes, tv/radio presenters and government officials wait for the opening ceremony to begin.
A group of vision impaired athletes pose with Riche McCaw at the opening ceremony.
Supporters gather around the athletics track to cheer on athletes.
Athletes visit the Blind Sport NZ stall to try out some accessible sport equipment.
Athletes dive into the pool as they begin their swimming race.
Education and Programmes Manager Casey with athlete at the Blind Sport NZ stall.
Vision impaired athlete runs alongside sighted guide on the athletics track.