Gym Equipment Wanted

A number of young people with spinal chord and brain injuries have embarked on individual gym programmes at three separate gyms in the Far North thanks to the generous support of the Kaitaia Lions and the Northern Community Board.

Each young person works on an individual fitness programme designed with the help of the gym instructor and their physiotherapist in order to develop strength, flexibility and co-ordination.

The intention is that improved fitness will allow the young men to become involved in a wider range of activities. Mark Shanks, the programme’s co-ordinator, is working with others in the local community to establish wheelchair sports (rugby, basketball, and hockey), along with other recreation options such as waka ama, sailing, land yachting, surfing, swimming, hand cycling and fishing.

To continue to prepare and develop the fitness of the participants it is important that they are able to exercise at home and the call is going out to the whole Far North community for unused gym and fitness equipment that could be donated to the group. Please phone Mark on 4094009 if you can help.

Photo:  Members of the group and their supporters at the Beta Body Gym, Kaitaia