Rocco's Journey: A Wish to Walk

14/09/2026

🌟⭐🌟Waiho rā kia tū takitahi ana ngā whetū o te rangi 🌟⭐🌟
🌟⭐🌟Let it be one alone that stands among the other stars in the sky🌟⭐🌟

Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, and 9-year-old Rocco is a prime example of this. Rocco pushed himself far beyond what could be considered comfortable to both set and achieve a HUGE goal of conquering 5000 stair steps around Aotearoa. With altruism beyond his years, Rocco wanted to be able to help the Hawke's Bay team get to the 2027 Halberg Games in Auckland by raising money through this massive feat.

Rocco completed his 5000 stair step challenge with the BIGGEST grin on his face on Saturday 12 September 2026. He was surrounded by his supporters, including his family and his dedicated physio, Karen.

If you too would like to help the team make their way to Tāmaki Makaurau so our athletes can shine, please donate at the link below or continue to share the link. Donations will be gratefully received until the page closes this Friday, 18 September.

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/roccos-stair-athon-5000-stair-steps

10/09/2026

Last 100 stairs for Rocco to tick off tomorrow! He has done so well over the last 5 weeks to reach his goal - keeping up with his physio, doing his therapy intensive in Rotorua, school cross country & a school walkathon all on top! He’s definitely feeling tired & a bit sore at the moment, but pushing through 💪

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/roccos-stair-athon-5000-stair-steps

Thanks to everyone who has supported Rocco & Disability Sport and Recreation Hawkes Bay

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/on-the-up-napier-boy-with-cerebral-palsy-takes-on-5000-stair-challenge-for-disabled-athletes/SEST5YTWRBHWTNFPLB3ZTY6ZGA/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUP_LRmdHNoBQ_lNXBkb2YFZmRpZBZQ4s7KSQNjfNWo7HEo9C7rtP2OCW6OZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHoxshOBu5L0eWHafNMY7OS7AUXJXFMuIzaHBP_AuLDC4Hd45lGONUNbqvyhR_aem_CVsbuBVl5r0mpdhdG9rANQ

'His determination for self-improvement is a great motivation for others.'

15/08/2026

Rocco’s been doing amazing with his Stair-a-thon challenge - he’s already nearly halfway having completed 2,108 stairs so far 👏

Thanks so much to all those who have donated so far, all of the support is keeping him going!

Disability Sport and Recreation Hawkes Bay

Rocco is raising funds by conquering 5000 stairs in his ultra stair-athon!

05/08/2026

Hi everyone,

So we all know that Rocco loves a challenge, and he has accomplished so many amazing things in his short life, especially since having SDR surgery just over 2 years ago.

He has now set himself the challenge of a 5000 Stair-a-thon, to raise money for Disability Sport and Recreation Hawkes Bay. This group provides so many awesome sports and activities that Rocco loves to participate in.

Over the next 4.5 weeks, Rocco will be visiting various steps around Hawkes Bay, and plans to do his last set of stairs at a DSRHB event with the Magpies on the 12th September. A big thanks to his star physio Karen who is helping bring this all together.

Rocco is super determined and has set his sights high. Any donations or shares of his Givealittle page would be amazing 💚

Rocco is raising funds by conquering 5000 stairs in his ultra stair-athon!

10/07/2026

Rocco & his brothers had a great time yesterday with the Big Barrel Hawks - thanks team! 🏀⛹️ Disability Sport and Recreation Hawkes Bay

15/02/2026

Rocco attended an All Abilities training session with the Warriors Community Foundation this week, and was then given the amazing opportunity of waving the flags for the team at the game. He had the best time ever!! 💚💙