Fitt Together Games

Two years ago my friend Ali and I turned up in Mission Bay to take part in the Geneva Healthcare 3km fun Colour Run. We soon realised upon arriving that the event was intended for people with disabilities and their friends. We decided to take part in the run anyway, and soon Ali, another girl and I decided to help Mke, a young woman in a wheelchair. We took turns pushing Mke’s wheelchair. Our team had so much fun and ended up crossing the finish line in first place. We were asked to stay and have lunch, and we became even more acquainted with Mke as we waited for lunch. Mke has cerebral palsy and communicates via a speech generating device. After the event, Ali and I became friends with Mke on Facebook and stayed in touch.

Eight months ago a job that I finished a job I loved. Subsequently, I posted a status on Facebook requesting part-time work. Mke replied “Come and work for me. I get up to lots of fun stuff”. Mke’s version of fun stuff consisted of sailing, going to the gym, Physio appointments and shopping. As I was a personal trainer I thought that I would be a good fit - so I replied “Yes, ” not realising at the time that she would help me dramatically with my own professional and personal development.

Taking Mke to sail with Sailability Auckland was truly inspiring. Mke’s sailing coach Steve has helped her to achieve freedom on the water, despite her lack of hand function.I was also blown away by her personal trainer, Michael who runs a variety of gym programmes for people with disabilities. Michael continuously challenges Mke to work hard and push herself, while figuring out how to accommodate for Mke’s involuntary movements and muscle spasms. Seeing how Michael and Mke work together has given me ideas and inspiration, which I have been able to incorporate into my own fitness business. I also took Mke to her Physio appointments, which is where I learnt how to assist Mke in a way that helps her to be as independent as possible.

In the time I have worked with Mke, I have learnt that Mke is capable of almost anything with support and encouragement from some amazing people and organisations. Wanting other people to have the same opportunities, Mke and I are trying to raise funds for Michael’s Functional Adaptive Movement programs, The TalkLink Trust and Cure Kids.

Subsequently, we are organising a charity event called Fitt Together Games from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm on Saturday, the 19th of May, at Murray’s Bay Intermediate School.

We are challenging people to get a team together and join us for a potluck work out.There will also be fun and games events for younger children of all ages and abilities. We are also looking for items to be donated, which will be auctioned off

on the day. For more information, please go to: Facebook.com/fitttogethergames

Give a little Fitt Together Games