Kia teams up with Halberg Trust

October 2009

Kia Motors Links With Halberg Trust To Give Hope To Disabled Children With Sporting Apsirations

Kia Motors is throwing its support behind one of New Zealand’s most recognised and respected charitable organisations, The Halberg Trust.

As part of its commitment to supporting local communities and worthy causes, Kia Motors New Zealand has become an Associate Sponsor of The Halberg Trust, furthering Sir Murray Halberg’s vision of “celebrating New Zealand’s sporting excellence and creating an inclusive society”.

The Halberg Trust was established in 1963 by legendary Olympic gold medalist Sir Murray Halberg, who has devoted selfless dedication to the welfare of children with disabilities in this country, as well as championing top athletes. Now, over 40 years since his Olympic glory, The Halberg Trust continues with the fundamental values on which it was launched – changing environments to create an inclusive society by linking people with an impairment, particularly the young, to sport and active leisure. It also recognises the passion New Zealanders share for sport by honouring sporting excellence, through the Westpac Annual Halberg Awards.

Kia Motors has been a strong supporter of sports people in New Zealand through its sponsorship of local tennis and football in recent years. But the opportunity to now contribute to a cause that also provides for many disabled young children, who may not have otherwise have been able to become involved in sport & leisure activities without the ongoing dedication of the team within the Halberg Trust and their many supporters, is a key reason behind this move.

“Creating equal opportunities for everyone to participate in active lives, by connecting people with disabilities to sport, is an integral part of feeling part of the community and Kia Motors New Zealand is proud to be involved in helping raise awareness amongst New Zealanders,” says Kia Motors New Zealand’s General Manager, Todd McDonald, who believes strongly in the new association, as well as the ideals the Halberg Trust strives to achieve.

Trust Chairman, Mike Jeffcoat, is delighted that one of the country’s leading car companies had chosen to support the Trust. Mike first came across Kia at the Australian Tennis Open where the company is the key sponsor and he became more aware of the ties both organisations had with sporting excellence.

“With KIA behind us we can look to the future with renewed confidence and vigour,” says Mike. “We see it as a very exciting partnership and we are looking forward to working with them in sport, especially at our grass roots level with joining disabled people into sporting opportunities.”

ENDS

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