Schoolchildren Celebrate Paralympic Star Holly Robinson’s Visit

A recent creative photo competition, titled “Where is my healthy place?” has brought joy to schoolchildren across New Zealand. Organized by the Bupa Foundation, Paralympics New Zealand, and NZ Landcare Trust, the competition invited students to submit photographs showcasing their personal healthy spaces. The prize included a visit from a celebrated Paralympian and the opportunity to plant trees in recognition of their achievement.

Eden Barbour, a nine-year-old student from St Mary’s School, submitted a stunning photograph taken from the summit of East Peak, which captures the scenic beauty of Southland following a challenging hike. Eden was unaware that she had won until earlier this month when she was surprised during a school assembly by Holly Robinson, a noted Paralympian who has made significant contributions to athletics.

Holly Robinson, who earned a gold medal in javelin at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, along with a bronze in shot put at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics, engaged with students through a lively question-and-answer session. After the assembly, Robinson joined the children in planting native trees, promoting environmental awareness alongside the celebration of physical achievement.

Eden expressed her excitement about meeting Robinson, stating, “It was awesome to meet such a remarkable athlete and experience it with my friends.” She recounted the thrill of holding Robinson’s bronze medal and the shot put she uses. “The kids were all really excited; you could see it on their faces. They just wanted to listen and learn,” Eden added, emphasizing the collective joy shared among her classmates.

Robinson reflected on her own experiences as a young athlete, recalling how hearing stories from role models like Danyon Loader inspired her. “To be able to talk to the kids and give them something they can take into their own lives is a really special thing,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.

The significance of such events is not lost on Pedro Sanchez, managing director of Bupa New Zealand, who stated, “We love these kinds of events and seeing the engagement and enthusiasm from both the athletes and the pupils.” He praised the collaboration between organizations, saying it creates meaningful experiences for children.

“This is a great opportunity to unite NZ Landcare Trust and Paralympics New Zealand for a day that leaves a lasting impact,” Sanchez noted, acknowledging the generosity of the athletes in sharing their time and stories.

As the event concluded, both students and educators left with fond memories and renewed inspiration, illustrating the powerful role of sports and environmental stewardship in shaping young lives.