Young Photographer Celebrates Win with Paralympian Visit

A nationwide photo competition, “Where is my healthy place?”, recently culminated in a surprise visit for a young photographer from St Mary’s School in Gore, New Zealand. The competition, organized by the Bupa Foundation, Paralympics New Zealand, and the NZ Landcare Trust, invited schoolchildren to submit images reflecting their personal healthy spaces. The winner received a special visit from a Paralympian and the opportunity to plant trees in honor of their achievement.

Eden Barbour, a nine-year-old student, submitted a stunning photograph taken from the top of East Peak, located near Gore. The image captures the breathtaking view of Southland after a challenging ascent. Eden remained unaware of her victory until earlier this month, when Holly Robinson, a celebrated para-athlete from Dunedin, surprised her during a school assembly. The unexpected visit left Eden “speechless.”

Celebrating Success and Inspiring Students

Holly Robinson, who earned a gold medal in javelin at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and a silver medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, also secured a bronze medal in shot put at the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. During her visit, Robinson engaged with students, taking time to answer their questions. She also participated in planting native trees alongside the children, further emphasizing the day’s theme of health and environmental responsibility.

“It was cool,” Eden remarked about the experience. “She won a bronze medal, and I got to wear it. I also got to hold the shot put that she uses. 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.”

Robinson expressed her enjoyment of the visit, highlighting the joy and excitement she witnessed among the students. “The kids were all really excited, you can see it on their faces. They’re smiling, they want to listen and hear,” she said. She noted the importance of giving back, stating, “To be able to go and talk to the kids, give them a little piece they can take into their own lives, that’s a really special thing.”

Community Engagement and Lasting Impact

The enthusiasm for the event was echoed by Pedro Sanchez, managing director of Bupa New Zealand, who expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between 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,” he said. Sanchez underscored the importance of athlete engagement, noting, “The athletes are so generous with their time and really make a lasting impact.”

The initiative not only fosters creativity among young students but also promotes awareness of health and environmental stewardship. By combining art with community service, the competition encourages children to reflect on their surroundings and take action to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As Eden Barbour and her classmates learned from Holly Robinson, moments like these can inspire future generations to pursue their dreams while valuing the importance of community and environmental care.