Halberg Junior Disability Games
Young athletes are set to descend on St Peter’s School in Cambridge on Friday 22 April for the 2016 Halberg Junior Disability Games, a national three day sports competition for physically disabled or visually impaired young people aged eight to 21 years old.
Athletes will compete in regional teams in 15 sports including; football, archery, athletics, badminton, blind cricket, boccia, equestrian, goalball, golf, paddle boarding, rowing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon and waka ama.
A sports festival style opening ceremony at the Avantidrome will kick off the weekend of action. The celebration will include a lighting of the official Games flame, guest speakers and a parade of the regional teams, setting the precedent for three days of comradery, and competition.
“The Halberg Junior Disability Games perfectly represents success, determination and team spirit,” says Halberg Disability Sport Foundation Chief Executive, Shelley McMeeken.
“For the athletes it is an opportunity to start the pathway in a new sport and hopefully we will see some of them represent New Zealand on the world stage in years to come.”
Registrations are open until 11 April. Visit Junior Disability Games to find out more information, and to register to compete or volunteer at the games.
Dinsdale Lions’ Annual Zoo Day – Hamilton
Dinsdale Lions in conjunction with Hamilton Zoo and Friends of Hamilton Zoo are holding a day of fun at Hamilton Zoo on 20 March, 11am-3pm. Entry is free for people with disabilities and their immediate family/caregiver.
Contact Roger Bell on 027 440 0370 for more information.
Arthritis self-management workshop – Mt Maunganui
This workshop is aimed at increasing your awareness of the various tools and techniques to minimise pain and fatigue, and will be held at Arataki Community Centre on 30 March, 10am-12.15pm.
Contact Sheryl Jensen by email or call 07 348 5135 to register.
Enabling Good Lives workshop – Cambridge
This workshop for disabled people and their families/carers aims to teach practical strategies to help develop communication and negotiation skills, and will be held at Cambridge Town Hall on 12 April, 9.30am-2.30pm.
Contact Maureen Steed by email or call 04 569 8301 to register.
Free tinnitus workshops in Gisborne
Life Unlimited hearing therapist, Cheryl Scott, will facilitate two free tinnitus workshops at the Gisborne Hearing Association rooms on 18 and 26 April at 10am.
Contact Cheryl on 06 863 2836 or 021 510 506 for more information.
Autism-friendly night at Da Vinci exhibition
The creations and concepts of the brilliant scientist, inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci are now on show for all to discover at the Waikato Museum – including a special session for people on the autism spectrum.
The exhibition, which runs until 29 May, has more than 80 da Vinci replica machines and artwork on display, many of which are interactive.
The autism-friendly evening session will be held on Saturday 2 April from 5-6.30pm. The museum space will be adapted to accommodate sensory sensitivities and museum staff will be upskilled for an autism audience. For more information, contact Kirsten.petersen@hcc.govt.nz or call 07 838 6606.
For more information about the visit Da Vinci Mechanics exhibition.
Autism training for professionals in Hamilton
A workshop aimed at professionals who support people on the autism spectrum will run in Hamilton on Tuesday 12 April.
PRISM Professional Development Series has been developed by Altogether Autism, and is based on theoretical, academic and clinical knowledge, and is delivered by specialist facilitators.
The workshops are interactive and present information in ways to appeal to different people, including role-plays, videos, group exercises and discussion. Participants are provided with a comprehensive workbook and ongoing access to tailor-made information.
The training will offer a safe and supportive environment for people to ask questions about autism. The facilitators will provide best practice skills and strategies to interact in positive ways with people on the spectrum and their families.
The workshop will run from 9am – 4pm at Houchens House and costs $230, which includes morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch.
To register phone 0800 273 463, or visit Altogether Autism website.
Aids for daily living with Parkinson’s
