Special Olympics Hawke's Bay hits the road with NZCT grant!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Special Olympics Hawkes Bay a $10,000 grant towards the purchase of a 12-seater van which will open up a world of competition for the region’s Special Olympic athletes .

Tina Lea from Special Olympics Bocce Sport shared, "Having our own van will be a game-changer for us. It will not only enhance our ability to attend away games but also foster new friendships and rivalries, enriching the overall experience for our athletes."

Felicity Lowes, a dedicated athlete, exclaimed, "I love going on road trips with my mates for Special Olympics events. Thanks to the support we receive, I recently won my second gold for ten-pin bowling!"

NZCT’s GM for Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds “Special Olympic athletes’ commitment and sportsmanship is exemplary but the cost of participation, particularly for travel, is a real barrier to participation. These athletes don’t deserve to miss out. So NZCT is grateful for its fundraising partnership with The Clive Hotel that made this grant possible.’’

This initiative ensures that athletes can continue to participate in sports training and competitions, embodying the spirit of the Special Olympics motto: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

The journey towards inclusion and empowerment continues as Special Olympics Hawkes Bay drives towards a brighter, more accessible future for all athletes involved.