A DECADE OF GROWTH AND TRIUMPH AT THE HALBERG GAMES

For over a decade, the Halberg Games have been an integral part of my life. My name is Sionann Murphy, and I hail from Auckland. As a competitive athlete, I have dedicated myself to athletics, and in 2025, I proudly hold the title of National Champion in both shot put and discus. I also clinched the 2024 Oceania Championship title in discuss. But beyond the medals and accolades, my journey through the Halberg Games has shaped me in ways I never imagined.

I first attended the Halberg Games – then known as the Junior Disability Games – when I was just eight years old. That year, our Auckland team was small, consisting of just three athletes: Jaden, Faithfully, and me. As I arrived, I was struck by a powerful realisation that this was the first time I had ever been surrounded by so many other disabled athletes. Growing up, I had always competed against able-bodied athletes in club competitions like the Colgate Games. I was used to being the only disabled competitor, often finishing last. But here, everything was different. I wasn’t alone. I belonged.

One of my standout memories from that first Games was riding in the velodrome in Cambridge. My brother, the only able-bodied person on the track, came along for the ride – only to crash face first into the glass! It was both hilarious and unforgettable. I also got to experience horse riding, and the wheelchair basketball tournament was a highlight, with packed bleachers and an electrifying atmosphere. Then there was my first race, I stood on the starting line, an eight year old facing competitors towering over me and I thought to myself, what am I doing here? But the race was closer than expected, and I pushed myself harder than ever. That moment marked the beginning of my deep love for competition and resilience.

The Halberg Games changed my entire perspective on sport. It was the first time I truly realised that there were other Para athletes out there striving for the same goal as me. Before that, I had only ever competed alongside able-bodied friends, always trailing behind. But at the Games, I found myself winning, tying with others, and being part of an inclusive sporting environment. It was a revelation.

The Games have introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors. I’ve built connections with athletes from all over New Zealand – friends I only see at the Games, but with whom I share a remarkable bond. Beyond friendships, the Games have been a platform for shared learning. As someone with cerebral palsy, I’ve had the opportunity to exchange tips with others facing similar challenges. I still remember watching a video of another girl tying her shoelaces – just like me, she had cerebral palsy, and she had figured out a method that worked. That simple yet profound moment changed my life, and it’s just one example of how the Games foster an environment of mutual support and growth.

For me, the most significant impact of the Halberg Games has been the sense of belonging. For the first time, I was different – I was part of something bigger. It was the one and only event where I could truly be myself, free from judgement, knowing that everyone around me understood the challenges I faced. This confidence has carried over into my competitive career. Even as I transition into senior-level athletics, where the competition can be intimidating, I remember the joy and camaraderie of the Halberg Games. That mindset keeps me going. It reminds me that sport isn’t just about winning – it’s about pushing yourself, having fun, and lifting others up along the way.

If I had to pick a favourite sport at the Games, it would be a tie between adaptive netball and athletics. Netball has always been a passion of mine, and playing in an adaptive format where everyone – regardless of ability – can participate is incredible. It’s fast, competitive, and inclusive, and I love the friendly rivalries that emerge. Athletics of course hoods a special place in my heart. I thrive on competition, entering multiple events each year – from the 400m to shot put and discus. But what I love most is the spirit of encouragement. Seeing athletes push themselves beyond their limits, celebrating each other’s achievements, and simply enjoying the moment – that’s what makes the Halberg Games special.

Two years stand out as my all-time favourite Halberg Games: 2015 and 2021. 2015 was my second Games, and by then, I had found my confidence. I knew my way around, made more friends, and embraced every challenge. That year, I even competed in a triathlon – something I never thought I’d do. 2021 was another unforgettable year because it was when I received the Sir Murray Halberg Cup. To be recognised in the name of someone I had idolised for years was an indescribable honour. That year, I pushed myself harder than ever, running countless races, helping in the water, and making even more friendships. It was a weekend of nonstop energy, and I loved every second of it.

To anyone attending the Halberg Games for the first time: Enter everything. Give it a go. You won’t regret it. No one is there to judge you – everyone is there to support and uplift each other. Step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and soak in every moment. The Halberg Games are a once-a-year opportunity that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Today, I continue to be deeply involved in the sporting world. I serve on the Halberg Youth Council, mentoring young athletes, and coach at my athletics club, where I lead tiny tots training sessions. I am also the club captain of the Takapuna Athletics Club. My ultimate goal is to become a Paralympian. Having recently broken the U20 national records in shot put and discus, I am now competing in the open division alongside Paralympian’s. It’s a new challenge, but one I am ready for. Overcoming a two-year battle with a shoulder injury has only strengthened my determination, and I have never felt more connected to my sport.

Beyond my person ambitions, I am committed to paving the way for future Para athletes. I want to ensure that the next generation has an easier path – without barriers, unnecessary battles, or exclusion. I can’t change the past, but I can fight for a better future. And that is the legacy I hope to leave behind. The Halberg Games have given me so much – friendships, confidence, and a purpose. And for that, I will always be grateful.