Danny McBride spurs Hamilton into action

Danny McBride spurs Hamilton into action

8 October 2013

When Paralympic rower Danny McBride visited Harcourts Hamilton to announce his participation in the inaugural ANZA Challenge, he inspired everyone present into action.

Harcourts is the principal sponsor of the inaugural ANZA Challenge, a trans-Tasman sports race taking place next week[SUBS 15-20 October].

Teams of sports stars and celebrities representing New Zealand and Australia will run, row, cycle and sail over 1300km around New Zealand during the course of the week.

As well as the fun of trans-Tasman rivalry, 100% of all money raised during the event goes to the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation - the charity dedicated to enabling physically disabled young New Zealanders to participate in sports.

Harcourts Hamilton owner Brian King says his wider team of six Harcourts offices were spurred into action by Danny McBride’s visit and are going to great lengths to raise as much money as possible for Halberg.

This Friday [SUBS 11 October] their largest fundraiser is taking place at Windows Restaurant at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec).

Trainee chefs will prepare a three course meal for 70 guests, with entertainment and a charity auction also to be held.

Wintec is supplying the premises and service, with all the food, beverages and auction items donated by local businesses.

Harcourts sales consultant Murray Friend got the idea to hold the charity dinner while showing houses to a Wintec culinary tutor, who also happens to teach his daughter.

Mr Friend says he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.

“When people have heard 100% of all money raised is going to Halberg, they have been quick to get involved. It’s been amazing.”

The ANZA Challenge starts at Parliament in Wellington on 15 October and then moves to Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, up to Hamilton and culminates in simultaneous public runs in Auckland and Sydney on Sunday 20 October.

Harcourts will be holding community fundraisers along the way.

Former All Black and broadcaster Marc Ellis leads the Harcourts New Zealand Team along with Black Sticks player Gemma Flynn, World Champion cyclist and netballer Alison Shanks, Olympic gold medal rower Nathan Cohen, Paralympic cyclist Nathan Smith, Paralympic rower Danny McBride and sports presenter James McOnie.

They are up against an elite team of Australians, including former rugby league player Wendell Sailor.

For more information go to www.anzachallenge.com

ENDS

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