Congratulations to Bronze Award participants in Aotearoa New Zealand on their Challenge100 success
Six young people from Manaaki Ability Trust have successfully completed their own individual Challenge100.
The Manaaki Ability Trust in Lower Hutt in the Wellington region, is a centre that supports young people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to upskill for the workforce and learn skills to live independently in the community.
After watching A Global Celebration in June 2021 together as a group – when Challenge100 was launched – a group of Bronze participants decided to take part in honour of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Participants were also keen to “see, feel and experience what it takes to do something 100 times.”
Sheldon, a Bronze Award participant set himself a target to complete 100 stair climbs for 100 days – and raise money for the Foundation in the process.
Also taking part were Laura, Danielle and Jonny, who challenged themselves to walk 100km. Conor attempted to score 100 football goals; 50 with his left foot, and 50 with his right. And Matt challenged himself to score 100 strikes at 10 pin bowling.
Despite many extra challenges along the way, including bad weather, the group persevered at achieved great success.
“It was tiring and at times painful to do!”, said Sheldon who pushed through and went on to complete his 100 stair climbs in 100 days – and raised a fantastic $110 for the Foundation in sponsorship.
Left to right: Sheldon completing his stair climb, Matt during his football challenge, Laura and Danielle taking on their 100km walk
The participants say they have learned a lot from taking part, including not to rush things, how to create habits…and mostly realised that “it takes time and effort to do something 100 times!”
“I felt good. I now know I can take on another challenge”, said Conor.
The group was led by Programme Manager Louisa Kelly, who is extremely proud of the participants.
“It was great to see the group get behind this cause. While not every Award participant took on the Challenge, it was an inspiration to the others, who celebrated alongside the participants. Each week we updated out numbers and celebrated the efforts together. As the participants neared their goal of 100, the competition to be the first to achieve the goal increased and some true personalities started to shine!”
Congratulations to everyone who took part, and for raising awareness and donations for the Foundation.
Manaaki Ability Trust has been running their current Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award programme since 2019, and currently have 12 active Award participants, doing Bronze, Silver and Gold.
