Halberg Foundation

22/06/2026

⭐ Youth Council Spotlight: Thomas Szabo ⭐

From finding his pathway into para sport through swimming, to now chasing big goals on the international cycling stage, Thomas' journey is one of growth and giving back!

As a proud member of the Youth Council, Thomas is passionate about using his experiences to help open doors for other young people with physical disabilities to discover their own love for sport, build confidence, and feel power of belonging.

Read more about Thomas' story and his vision for a more inclusive future in sport 👇
https://halberg.co.nz/youth-council-spotlight-thomas-szabo/

19/06/2026

Volunteer Voices | Kevin Blyth 💙💛

After hearing from his colleagues about how rewarding the experience was, Kevin decided to get involved and see the impact of the Games firsthand. One of his standout memories was watching the Hungerball in action:

"The level of inclusivity was incredible. Young athletes of all abilities got involved, gave it everything, and kept coming back for more."

For Kevin, volunteering is about supporting young people to compete, connect, and show that disability doesn't define them - while witnessing the pride and joy on athletes' faces throughout the day.

This concludes our Volunteer Voices series for National Volunteer week 🙌

A huge thank you to Kevin, and to all our incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to make the Halberg Games and other events possible! We simple couldn't do it without you!!

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

A double Paralympic champion, successful basketball coach, and long-time disability advocate for the Halberg Foundation, few have had a greater impact on Para sport and the wider Paralympic Movement in Aotearoa New Zealand than Paralympian #80 Dave MacCalman MNZM. Competing in an era when Para sport...

17/06/2026

Volunteer Voices | Melanie Andrew-Swami 💙💛

Melanie gave her time across multiple tasks through the Halberg Games - making sure athletes and whānau were supported every step of the way.

For Melanie, volunteering comes from a deep passion for supporting tamariki and rangatahi with disabilities and their families. It means so much to her that she even chose to volunteer over other sporting commitments, because the Games take priority during this time.

Her favourite moments came from the track and swimming events, where she loved seeing the determination, joy, and "I can do" attitude from every athlete.

"What I gave of my time is rewarded in three folds of determination, joy, and love abundantly"

A huge thank you to Melanie for your dedication, energy, and heart - and for helping make the Halberg Games such a special experience for everyone involved 👌

14/06/2026

Volunteer Voices | Achilles Auckland 💙💛

At this year's Halberg Games, we were proud to welcome volunteers from Achilles Auckland, who supported our athletics races as guide runners.

Achilles NZ is an inclusive running community that enables people of all abilities to take part in athletics, with guides playing a vital role in helping athletes compete safely and confidently on the track.

At the Games, their guides ran alongside athletes, helping them navigate their races while building trust, connection, and confidence every step of the way.

For Achilles volunteers, it's about partnership - supporting athletes while they lead the way and compete with pride.

A huge thank you to Achilles Auckland for being part of the Halberg Games and helping create such an inclusive and empowering experience of our athletes 🫶

13/06/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say thank you to the incredible volunteers who help make Halberg what it is 💙💛

From supporting athletes and whānau at the Halberg Games to helping behind the scenes at events, our volunteers generously give their time, energy, and care to help create inclusive sporting experiences for young New Zealanders.

This year's National Volunteer Week theme, Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao, celebrates those who volunteer and encourages others to get involved, recognising the important role volunteers play in strengthening communities and bringing people together.

Throughout the week, we'll be spotlighting three amazing Halberg Games volunteers and sharing their stories to learn more about their volunteering journey and what inspires them to give back.

To every volunteer who shows up with a smile, lends a helping hand, and helps create unforgettable experiences for our athletes – thank you! Your impact reaches far beyond the event itself, and we are so grateful to have you as part of the Halberg whānau.

Happy National Volunteer Week 🌟

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

💙💛 What does it take to create truly inclusive sport and recreation opportunities?

In our latest Advisor Spotlight, Otago-based Advisor Zoe Tully shares how education, collaboration and a strengths-based mindset are helping equip and empower schools, clubs, and communities to support young people with physical disabilities.

From building confidence in teachers and coaches to helping young people discover a love of movement, Zoe's story highlights the power of inclusion and the impact it can have on lives.

Read Zoe's full spotlight story via the link below 👇
https://halberg.co.nz/advisor-spotlight-zoe-tully/