Young Student Celebrates Win with Paralympian Holly Robinson

An exciting event unfolded at St Mary’s School in Southland, New Zealand, when nine-year-old Eden Barbour was surprised by Paralympic champion Holly Robinson. Eden was the winner of a nationwide creative photo competition titled “Where is my healthy place?” organized by the Bupa Foundation, Paralympics New Zealand, and NZ Landcare Trust.

The competition invited schoolchildren to submit photographs representing their healthy spaces, with the prize being a visit from a Paralympian and the opportunity to plant trees. Eden’s winning photograph, taken from the summit of East Peak after a challenging climb, captured the breathtaking view of Southland.

Eden did not learn of her victory until earlier this month during a school assembly, where she was met with applause and cheers from her classmates. The visit from Robinson, who won a gold medal in javelin at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, a silver in Rio 2016, and a bronze in shot put at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics, left Eden “speechless.”

During her visit, Robinson engaged the students in a Q&A session, sharing insights about her athletic journey and experiences. The excitement continued as she and the students participated in planting native trees, reinforcing the importance of both physical health and environmental stewardship.

“I loved it when I got to share [the visit] with all of the school, because it wasn’t just for me; it was for the whole school,” Eden expressed. She highlighted the joy on her classmates’ faces, noting their eagerness to listen and learn from Robinson. “It was cool. She won a bronze medal, and I got to wear it, and I also got to hold the shot put that she uses.”

Robinson reflected on the significance of giving back to the community, stating, “As someone who competed in some of the biggest events in the world and is living my dream, moments where I can give back are equally valuable.” She recalled being inspired by New Zealand swimmer Danyon Loader during her youth and emphasized the importance of motivating the next generation.

The managing director of Bupa New Zealand, Pedro Sanchez, praised the collaborative effort that brought the event to life. “It’s great to bring NZ Landcare Trust and Paralympics New Zealand together to create such a meaningful day for the kids. The athletes are so generous with their time and really make a lasting impact,” he stated.

This event not only celebrated Eden’s artistic achievement but also highlighted the impactful role of athletes in inspiring young minds and fostering community engagement. As the students left the assembly, their smiles reflected the excitement and motivation sparked by the day’s activities, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.