A LEGACY OF INCLUSION: SIR MURRAY HALBERG LEGACY AWARD
The Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award in partnership with CityFitness honours individuals whose dedication and leadership have created meaningful, lasting change within disability sport communities across Aotearoa.
Carrying the name of the late Sir Murray Halberg, this award reflects a lifelong commitment to inclusion, opportunity and the belief that sport should be accessible to all. Sir Murray’s vision continues to shape the future of inclusive sport in New Zealand, inspiring generations to remove barriers and champion participants.
This week, we are proud to announce the finalists for the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, recognising those who embody these values and whose impact will be felt for years to come. The recipients will be celebrated at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, alongside the nation’s most outstanding sporting achievements.
We are inspired by the incredible dedication, leadership, and passion of all four finalists each of whom embodies the spirit of the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award. Their work demonstrates the lasting impact that inclusive sport and adaptive programmes can have on individuals, families, and communities across Aotearoa. The winner will be announced at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards on Monday 16th February 2026, so make sure to tune in live on Sky Sport and Sky Open – not long to go now!
STEVE OLIVER – UPPER NORTH ISLAND FINALIST
Steve Oliver has made a significant and lasting contribution to disability sport in Aotearoa, positively impacting disabled young people and the communities around them. Through his leadership of NZ Grappler, the country’s largest submission-grappling circuit, Steve has championed inclusion by ensuring physically disabled and hearing-impaired athletes are not only welcome but genuinely celebrated.
By introducing Deaf divisions and providing ongoing support to blind athlete Clinton Davies, Steve has helped remove barriers to participation and encouraged many young people with disabilities to step out onto the mat for the first time. His work reinforces the belief that strength, resilience and courage take many forms.
Equity sits at the heart of Steve’s approach to sport. His programmes are built to create inclusive environments where participants can develop confidence, feel supported, and take pride in their achievements. As the son of the late Olympian Don Oliver, Steve continues a powerful family legacy of using sport as a force for positive change. His leadership has influenced a new generation of coaches and athletes, many of whom now run their own community clubs across Aotearoa, carrying forward the inclusive values he instilled.
JACQUIE MCKENZIE – LOWER NORTH ISLAND FINALIST
Jacquie McKenize has a remarkable talent for connecting with children who often find traditional learning environments challenging. For many families, finding a swimming instructor who truly understands and adapts to their child’s needs can feel overwhelming – but Jacquie turns these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Through one-on-one lessons and flexible teaching approaches, she enables children like Abel and Tobias to learn at their own pace, building confidence and comfort in the water. Her nurturing and empathetic approach creates a safe space where children can explore their abilities without fear of judgement.
Parents consistently describe Jacquie’s presence as a source of reassurance and hope. Beyond her direct impact, her dedication to inclusive swimming has inspired other organisations to rethink their practices, fostering broader accessibility in the sport. Jacqui has redefined what swimming can mean for disabled children – not just teaching skills, but cultivating a community where every child feels seen, respected, and empowered to succeed.
JONO SCHEPERS – UPPER SOUTH ISLAND FINALIST
Jono Schepers has created a truly unique space in disability sport, filling a gap where group-based programmes often leave individual needs unmet. He has built an environment where no young person is overlooked, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.
Jono first launched Amplified Ability, a pilot programme offering young people with physical and intellectual disabilities the chance to explore resistance and movement training in a supportive, inclusive setting. Today, he continues this work through one-on-one coaching, tailoring every session to everyone’s needs, motivations, and goals. By adjusting exercises and the training environment at Align, he ensures participants feel confident, capable, and proud of what they achieve.
Jono’s thoughtful, caring approach goes beyond the gym. He continually researches conditions, adapts exercises in real time, and collaborate closely with parents, teachers, and therapists to provide the best possible support. His dedication redefines what inclusion in sport and movement can look like, creating opportunities for young people to experience growth, independence, and empowerment.
KATHARINA (KAT) MUELLER – LOWER SOUTH ISLAND FINALIST
Katharina Mueller has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of disabled young people and their communities through her dedication to adaptive skiing. Since 2001, she has led Cardrona Alpine Resort Adaptive Programme, opening doors for participation, belonging and achievement in the mountains that many once thought impossible.
Families consistently report that her support has boosted their children’s confidence, independence, and social connection. In the past year alone, Kat made a positive difference in 338 recorded interactions. Through the introduction of the Adaptive Ride Tribe, 20 young people now enjoy a steady weekly pathway, building skills on the slopes while forming friendships and lasting connections.
Kat goes beyond skiing to ensure participants are truly included in the wider mountain community, creating spaces where everyone is welcomed, celebrated, and empowered. Off the snow she continues to champion inclusion as a community advocate and support worker, collaborating with local organisations to break down barriers and promote belonging for disabled people in all aspects of life.
