Meet Catherine from TriStar Gymnastics, a passionate and dedicated advocate for inclusive sport. As the Diverse-ability Coordinator, Catherine has played a huge role in opening doors for tamariki and rangatahi of all abilities to experience the joy of gymnastics – both at her gym and through the Halberg Games.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT TRI STAR GYMNASTICS AND HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED WITH THE HALBERG GAMES?

TriStar Gymnastics set up a Diverse-ability program 8 years ago, seeing a need in the community. What started with one gymnast has now exploded into a huge all-inclusive program. I’ve been lucky enough to be the Diverse-ability Coordinator at TriStar for the last 6 years. I couch full time in the diverse-ability space and have a number of part-time coaches. We try to meet the needs of each individual that walks through our door regardless of age or ability. As a result, we coach a huge variety of athletes with different needs and abilities.

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST GAMES? WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR YOU?

I sure do! My first Halberg Games was in 2019. I met so many incredible young people that first year – many of whom I’ve watched grow in age and confidence every year since.

HOW HAS THE GYMNASTICS SPACE AT THE HALBERG GAMES EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

A lot of the athletes are very familiar with us now, so they come in excited and confident, ready to learn new skills and show off the ones they’ve mastered. It’s always a blast!

IS THERE A PARTICULAR MEMORY OR MOMENT THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU FROM THE LAST FEW YEARS?

There are quite a few! I have many vivid memories of the first time a young person has done a gymnastics skill they never thought possible during a Halberg Games session. I also have beautiful images etched in my memory of young people in power chairs not only participating but learning and having a ball doing gymnastics.

HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE HALBERG GAMES INFLUENCED YOUR WORK OR PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE?

It’s helped me think outside the box. At the Games, I don’t have the huge setup I have at TriStar, but I still want to meet the needs of everyone who comes in. I do a lot of on-the-fly problem solving to use the space in ways that cater to everyone.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PART OF AN INCLUSIVE EVENT LIKE THE HALBERG GAMES?

Inclusive sport is my passion. Sport is such an integral part of childhood and life – not only for the physical benefits but also for building confidence and life skills. The Halberg Games brings so many young people into a variety of sports where they are the main event! I get to be part of that and meet other sports providers who share the same passion for inclusion.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS THINKING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OR SUPPORTING THE HALBERG GAMES?

Do it! Not only is the Halberg Games a load of fun where you meet incredible young people, it’s also a great place to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of tamariki.

IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE HALBERG GAMES?

Fun. Social. Inclusive.

WHAT IS THE FEEDBACK AROUN WHAT ATHLETES LOVE ABOUT GYMNASTICS AT THE GAMES?

The main feedback i – it’s super fun! Gymnastics is such a vast sport that there’s something for everyone. I love watching confidence grow throughout each session – from feeling a bit nervous to becoming proud and excited.