Schoolchildren Celebrate Visit from Paralympic Champion Holly Robinson

A recent initiative by the Bupa Foundation, in collaboration with Paralympics New Zealand and NZ Landcare Trust, brought excitement to St Mary’s School in Southland as pupils welcomed Paralympic champion Holly Robinson. The event was part of a nationwide creative photo competition titled “Where is my healthy place?” which invited schoolchildren to capture images of their healthy environments for a chance to win a visit from a Paralympian and participate in a tree-planting ceremony.

Eden Barbour, a nine-year-old student at St Mary’s, submitted a captivating photo from the summit of East Peak, showcasing the stunning landscape of Southland after a challenging climb. Unknown to her, Eden had won the competition, and earlier this month, she was pleasantly surprised by Robinson during a school assembly.

During her visit, Robinson, who earned a gold medal in javelin at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, a silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and a bronze in shot put at the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics, engaged students in a question-and-answer session. The atmosphere was electric as Eden expressed her thrill at meeting such an accomplished athlete. “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,” she said.

The event was not solely about individual recognition; Eden emphasized the joy of sharing the experience with her classmates. “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,” she added. The excitement was palpable, with Eden noting that her peers were all smiles, eager to absorb Robinson’s insights.

Robinson reflected on her own journey and the importance of giving back. “I was a young girl sitting over on the West Coast, listening to Danyon Loader talk about his experiences and medals, and for me that was a massive motivator,” she shared. She emphasized the significance of inspiring young athletes and providing them with a tangible connection to their dreams.

The initiative not only highlighted the importance of physical health but also fostered a sense of community engagement among students. Robinson and the pupils participated in planting native trees, further cementing the day’s theme of nurturing both the environment and aspirations.

Pedro Sanchez, managing director of Bupa New Zealand, praised the collaboration among the organizations involved. “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.

The event successfully merged education, environmental stewardship, and the celebration of sporting achievements, leaving a lasting impression on the students and fostering their enthusiasm for both athletics and nature.