For Matt Johnson, the Halberg Games have become more than just a weekend event – they’ve become a decade-long tradition, a highlight of the calendar, and a powerful reminder of why inclusive sport matters. Matt first got involved with the Halberg Games through his workplace, which had formed a relationship with the Halberg Foundation “at first, I saw it as a chance to develop my understanding of how we could make our events more inclusive,” he explained “but now, I do it because it’s just an awesome opportunity to be part of.”
Matt remembers his first Games vividly, “it was very overwhelming, to be honest. I didn’t fully comprehend the scale of the event or how much organisation was involved. I think I was marshalling at the pool – it was manic! So many kids in such a small area”. But over the years, with experience and a strong team, he’s seen the event evolve. “Now it’s a well-oiled machine. We’ve streamlined how we do things, especially marshalling, and it’s run so much smoother.”
Across a decade of volunteering, Matt has collected countless memories, but one in particular stands out. “A couple of years ago, there was a young girl who was incredibly nervous about her first swim. She was almost ready to pull out, but I gave her a quick pep talk. She went out there and absolutely smashed the race! She came back over to me and said, ‘Did you see me win? That’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Another standout was the famously rainy 2024 Games, “It was pretty difficult keeping the paperwork dry,” Matt laughs, “but what amazed me most was the energy from the parents and participants. Despite the weather, everyone turned up with huge smiles, full of joy and confidence.”
That same year, Matt was named Volunteer of the Games – a recognition he describes as “very humbling and unexpected.” He adds, “I’ve never done it for any recognition. I absolutely love doing it. The banter with the participants and parents is always a highlight.”
So what makes the Halberg Games such a special event? For Matt, it’s all about the community. “There’s just such a good vibe. Last year we were out on the athletics track in pouring rain and still, every participants showed up beaming and excited. That kind of spirit is contagious.” Matt hopes the next 10 years will see even more growth and greater community involvement. “I want to see participants, more sports offering adapted opportunities, and more barriers bring broken down. That’s the dream.”
Volunteering at the Games has left a lasting impact on Matt’s life and career. “It’s opened up my mindset around opportunities. I work in the play, active recreation, and sports sector, and I’m always thinking – how can we make as many opportunities as possible inclusive for all?” Returning each year and seeing familiar faces is something he treasures. “It’s awesome seeing the kids grow and improve year after years. They’ll say, ‘Hey, you’re back again! and I’m like, ‘Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?'”
Asked to sum up the Halberg Games community in three words, Matt doesn’t hesitate: Inspiring, welcoming, determined. “The internal drive of the participants really inspires me. Their determination to finish to race, to push through on their own, sticks with me – and it pushes me to go harder in my own life. If they can do it, why can’t I?”
Matt believes the Halberg Games have had a profound impact on disability sport in Aotearoa. “It’s given these kids a platform to compete against their peers, to realise they CAN take part in anything. It shows them they are awesome.” And thanks to volunteers like Matt, that message is being heard loud and clear – year after year, rain or shine.
