The Halberg Games, which launched in 2015, comprise an annual three-day sports competition for young New Zealanders aged 8-21 with physical, visual and hearing impairments.
This year a team of 10 athletes from Mid-South Canterbury will take part in events such as adaptive crossfit, athletics, swimming, golf, gymnastics, wheelchair basketball and much more.
Robyn White, a parent of one of the Mid-South Canterbury team members, said something like the Halberg Games was so important for the children.
"It was just fantastic to watch the kids at the last games. It’s great to see them be around like-minded peers in a place where everyone is encouraged to give everything a go and there is no judgement.
"The whole thing really helps to build a bit of camaraderie with children from right across the motu.
"You end up with a vast group of children with varied disabilities, some so rare they don’t even have a name.
"It’s something that gives everyone an opportunity and it doesn’t matter where you place, you’re participating and trying to beat your own records and everyone comes away with a medal."
Last year the team competed at the games in Christchurch, but this year the event is in Auckland so they are fundraising to help with costs.
"We are selling raffle tickets for $20 each and we have six great prizes.
"Our major one, thanks to Guthrie Bowron Timaru, is three premium rolls of wallpaper of your choosing valued at $2300.
"We’ve also got a For Pets Sake hamper, Big Food hamper, Grooming at Will voucher. Arthur Street Cafe voucher and an Oxford restaurant voucher [are] up for grabs as well."
She said having fundraisers gave the children an opportunity to participate in the sport without the financial constraints of worrying about how to get there.
"It should never be a burden for children, regardless of ability or disability, everyone should have the right to take part."
She said there was a limit of 300 tickets for sale and these could be bought from Guthrie Bowron or Soul Surf and Skate.
The raffle will be drawn under police supervision on April 21.
Any families of children with physical, visual and hearing impairments who wish to join in on Mid-South Canterbury Halberg events in the future can find more information and get in touch via the Mid-South Canterbury Inclusive Youth Sport Facebook page.
