Geneva’s Colour Cruise Celebrated Diversity and Inclusion
Geneva Healthcare’s Annual Fun Race for New Zealand’s Disability Sector

“Colour Cruise is not just a day of fun and games but it is also a celebration of our diversity and all of you who have different capabilities and born to stand out as you,” - Josephine Wallis, Geneva Healthcare Chief Executive.

Over a hundred persons with disabilities from Geneva’s Community Living Homes, Geneva Elevator, and members of the public raced at the ASB Showgrounds while being cheered on by friends, families, Geneva staff and VIPs headlined by the Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Minister of Disability Issues and Social Development; and Michelle Isemonger, Miss World New Zealand and reigning Miss International Oceania.

With the sound of the pūtātara, Taiaha Hawke from Ngãti Whãtua Orãkei summons everyone’s attention as the pōwhiri welcoming ceremony begins.

“You’re all winners for participating. Sport is important in addressing issues of social isolation and bringing people together so you’re part of the community, part of what’s going on; and how important it is in terms of us truly being an inclusive society,” says Hon Carmel Sepuloni, acknowledging everyone for coming to the event and focusing on their abilities as they take on the race challenges.

Soon everyone was off on foot, manual and power wheelchairs for the 3km, 1.5km and 500m races as the chequered flags were waived and the loudest of cheers echoed all around.

As the race winners received their medals, congratulatory ribbons were handed to every participant, and the lucky ones scored awesome spot prizes donated by Skycity and Mexicali Fresh. The Van Lier Trophy for sportsmanship was awarded to a Client, while the most supportive Carer at the race was awarded with a special prize donated by Vodafone.

The festivities continued with an beautiful performance from the Geneva Ukulele Band and the Geneva Client Choir led by Music Therapist, Libby Johns. A well-deserved lunch post race offered a good spread of healthy and sumptuous meals especially prepared by the team at Attainable Trust and the Pure Food Company.

The day was truly a celebration of life with the added excitement of a ‘Fiesta’ themed event that highlighted everyone’s uniqueness and vibrant colours.

Geneva provide persons with disabilities with rehabilitation services at Geneva Elevator and a caring home environment at our Community Living Homes across Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga. The annual Colour Cruise is just one of the many ways that our Clients live their best lives.

A big thank you to our event partners and volunteers: ASB Showgrounds; Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, BNZ, Buddle Findlay, SecureCom, Vodafone, Ray White, ASB, Air New Zealand, Mexicali Fresh and Sky City.

To check out the video highlights from the event, please go to: www.facebook.com/GenevaHealth

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