The Leisure Centre, Whangaparaoa has been awarded a Gold Halberg Trust Sport Access award. Three categories of Halberg awards are available: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The Leisure Centre is the first facility to gain a Halberg Award on the North Shore, and one of a select few to be awarded the prestigious gold award nationally.
The application process involved Leisure Centre staff completing a self review, and undertaking an external audit to identify and address barriers for people with disabilities in regard to accessing The Leisure Centre facilities. Information on initiatives already underway at the centre which include people with disabilities was included in the Centre’s application along with supporting evidence of these activities.
The Leisure Centre created a ‘No Exclusion Action Plan’ which was submitted as part of the application.
A significant proportion of the staff at the Leisure Centre have completed SPARC sponsored 'No Exceptions' training which is designed by the Halberg Sport Opportunity Trust. The training has increased the skills and confidence of Leisure Centre staff and helped them to provide an inclusive environment for all members.
The Halberg Trust were so impressed with the Leisure Centre’s application they described it as the best application they had ever received in New Zealand.
Sir Murray Halberg will present the award in person at a ceremony in the near future.
For more information about the Leisure Centre visit www.theleisurecentre.co.nz.