After more than a decade of memories, milestones, and meaningful moments, Sionann Murphy (aka Shazza) has taken part in her final Halberg Games as an athlete. From a nervous nine-year-old stepping onto the track for the first time, to a confident Youth Council member delivering a powerful Opening Ceremony speech, Sionann’s journey is one of growth, connection, and belonging. As she closes this chapter, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her – and the message she hopes to leave behind.

LOOKING BACK ON THE JOURNEY

THIS YEAR MARKED YOUR FINAL HALBERG GAMES – HOW DID IT FEEL ARRIVING KNOWING IT WOULD BE YOUR LAST YEAR?

It felt really strange and a bit unreal. I had this gut feeling that something was different, but I didn’t want to full accept that it was my last Games. It didn’t properly sink in until I delivered mu Opening Ceremony speech, that’s when it became emotional. The Halberg Games have been such a big part of my life for over 10 years. It’s something I’ve looked forward to every single year. For me, it’s always felt like home – a place where I can just be myself, have fun, try new sports, and feel completely at ease. So, while it started off feeling surreal, it definitely became more real and emotional as the weekend went on.

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR VERY FIRST HALBERG GAMES?

I was about nine years old, and I remember it so clearly…especially the ahtletics! I walked into the Opening Ceremony not really understanding how special it was. One of my strongest memories is lining up for a sprint race and realising I was next to athletes much older than me. I remember thinking, “Why did I enter this? I’m going to come last.” But when I finished, people I didn’t even know were cheering and congratulating me. I had never experienced that kind of support before.

I was also really nervous about swimming and actually pulled out of a few races because I was too scared. But even with those nerves, the whole experience was incredible. Trying different sports, watching events like wheelchair basketball, and just being surrounded by so much encouragement – it was the first time I truly felt I belonged.

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN THROUGH BEING PART OF THE HALBERG GAMES?

I’ve grown a lot, especially in the last five or six years. I stopped worrying about what other people thought and just started saying yes to everything. I entered more events, pushed myself outside my comfort zone, and really embraced the experience.

But more than that, I started focusing on supporting others – running alongside people, encouraging them, and making sure no one felt alone. That’s where I found a lot of purpose. It helped me grow in confidence and maturity, and I realised I have a voice that can make a difference, especially for younger athletes. The Games have shown me what true inclusion looks like, and that’s something I want to see more of everywhere.

WHAT DO THE HALBERG GAMES MEAN TO YOU

WHAT DO THE HALBERG GAMES MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?

They mean home. It’s the one place where I feel completely accepted and can be myself without any judgement. It’s more than just a sporting event – it’s a community where everyone supports each other, shares advice, and lifts each other up.

It’s also played a huge role in my confidence and personal growth. It’s honestly the highlight of my year. I get more excited for the Halberg Games than my own birthday! It’s such a warm, uplifting environment, and that feeling of belonging is something really special.

WHY ARE THE GAMES SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS AOTEAROA?

For a lot of young people, it’s the only place where they can try the sports they’ve always wanted to without being told “no.” It’s not about coming first or last – there’s always a whole group of people cheering you on no matter what. It’s also inclusive for everyone, not just athletes. Families, siblings, and supporters are all part of the experience, which makes it feel like one big community.

The mindset is always “how can we make this work for you?” and that’s what makes it so powerful. It gives young people the chance to build confidence, make friends, and realise they belong.

HOW HAVE THE GAMES SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY?

They’ve shaped me in so many ways. They’ve given me confidence in myself and in my disability, and helped me come out of my shell. I’ve built lifelong friendships and found a real sense of pride in being part of such an inclusive community.

It’s not just influenced my sporting journey – it’s shaped my outlook on life and my belief that everyone deserves to feel like they belong.

HIGHLIGHTS & FAVOURITE MOMENTS

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR STANDOUT MEMORIES?

There are so many, but a few really stand out. One of my biggest highlights was this year, helping a close friend cross the finish line in our final race together. That moment meant a lot, especially knowing it was out last Games.

The 2021 Games were also a turning point for me. That’s when I stopped worrying about results and just focused on giving everything a go and supporting others. I entered extra races, ran alongside people, and spent a lot of time cheering others on. That’s when I really understood what the Games meant to me.

There are also some fun memories, like swapping sports with others and pushing each other out of our comfort zones. And having my brother involved, helping athletes and becoming part of the community made it even more special. Ending my final Games by winning “Moment of the Games” for my speech was a really surreal way to finish.

IS THERE A MOMENT THAT CAPTURES WHAT THE GAMES ARE ALL ABOUT?

It’s hard to choose just one, but that first race when I was nine really sticks with me. The encouragement I felt from people I didn’t even know was so powerful.

But more than any single moment, it’s the overall feeling…the inclusion, the support, and the sense of community. It’s a place where everyone belongs, and that’s what makes it so special.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST?

Honestly, everything. The atmosphere, the people, the cheering, and the way everyone supports each other no matter what. It’s such a unique environment where you can truly be yourself without judgement. That sense of unity and belonging is something I’ll miss the most.

OPENING CEREMONY SPEECH

HOW DID IT FEEL DELIVERING YOUR OPENING CEREMONY SPEECH?

I was definitely nervous beforehand, but once I started speaking, that feeling went away and I just felt proud. I focused on sharing a message I wish I had heard at my first Games.

I kept thinking about my younger self and what I needed to hear back then. It was emotional knowing it was my final Games, but hearing the response afterwards made it all worth it. I put a lot of time into that speech because I wanted to connect with everyone – and it meant a lot to see that I did.

WHAT MESSAGE DID YOU HOPE PEOPLE TOOK AWAY?

The biggest message was to just say yes. Say yes to trying something new, stepping outside your comfort zone, and getting involved.

I also wanted people to know it’s okay to feel nervous, that’s completely normal. But if you take a moment and look around, you realise how much support there is. More than anything, I wanted people to be themselves, have fun, and enjoy every moment.

LOOKING BACK, WHAT DOES THAT MOMENT MEAN TO YOU?

It meant everything. It was my way of signing off and sharing something meaningful with the next generation. It wasn’t perfect – I got emotional and made a few mistakes…but that’s what made it real. It felt like a true reflection of my journey and who I am. It was the perfect way to close this chapter.

LESSONS & REFLECTIONS

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED?

The biggest lesson is to just say yes. You don’t have to be the best – you just have to be willing to try. Some of the most meaningful moments come from stepping outside your comfort zone and giving something a go.

HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE?

They’ve made me more confident and prouder of who I am. I’m proud of my disability and everything it’s allowed me to experience. The Games also showed me what true inclusion looks like, and it made me realise that it should exist everywhere – not just at Halberg. It’s something that’s really shaped how I see the world.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ATTENDING THEIR FIRST HALBERG GAMES?

Just say yes. Get involved, try everything, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most supportive environments you’ll ever be part of.

Be yourself, have fun, and enjoy every moment – because you’ll miss it when it’s over.

CLOSING THIS CHAPTER

HOW DOES IT FEEL SAYING GOODBYE AS AN ATHLETE?

It’s really emotional. The Halberg Games have been part of my life for 12 years, and it’s shaped so much of who I am. It feels like leaving home.

It’s something I’ve looked forward to every year, and it’s given me so much joy, confidence, and connection. Saying goodbye to that as an athlete is definitely hard!

WILL YOU STAY CONNECTED TO THE HALBERG COMMUNITY?

Absolutely! Once you’re part of the Halberg community, you’re always part of it. It feels like a family, and I’ll always want to stay connect and give back where I can.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP YOUR HALBERG GAMES JOURNEY?

From fear to freedom to belonging. Say yes, be yourself, and give everything a go!!