รายละเอียดกระทู้

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/79394796/halberg-junior-disability-games-a-hit-with-northland-athletes Asher Hovell tries his hand at discus at the Halberg Junior Disability Games. Maungatapere School student Asher Hovell travelled to Cambridge during the school holidays to take part in the Halberg Junior Disability Games. The 9-year-old took part in golf, table tennis, rowing, equestrian, athletics, swimming and paddle boarding events, as well as the additional fun games. He says the table tennis was his favourite because there was a dispenser that fired the ball to him. "There was a black circle that was my target, then my target changed to a broken one and it was so hard." Asher has limb girdle muscular dystrophy which in his words means "I get tired easily". His mum Chloe Hovell says: "Things feel heavier for Asher and running feels a lot further than other people." They first picked up something wasn't right when Asher was five. He uses a wheelchair at school and Hovell says it makes such a difference. Asher went to the three day event with his father and grandfather as part of a 10 strong Northland team. He says he made some new friends, including his second cousin who lives in Canterbury who he hadn't met before. This was Asher's second year at the Junior Disability Games and he is looking forward to going again. "If I go every year until I am 21 then I would have gone there every single time possible." Hovell says going to the games and being part of a team is important for Asher. "It's so awesome for him to have a setup where there is success in sport. "At the games everyone's success is celebrated, people who come last get the biggest cheer. "Asher came last in the rowing and everyone was cheering 'go Asher'." Another member of the Northland team was Dargaville's Ellie Weight. The 11-year-old has limited movement in her left hip and had a great time competing in swimming, athletics, football, badminton, table tennis and cricket. The Halberg Junior Disability Games are for physically disabled and visually impaired eight to 21 year olds, this year they were held at St Peter's School from April 22 to 24. A total of 117 athletes competed in regional teams across 19 sports.