PRESS RELEASE

A covered arena for Kaitaia Riding for the Disabled Association has cleared its last financial hurdle with a $162,000 grant from ASB Community Trust.

KRDA opens its Church Rd centre to disabled riders from throughout Northland. Volunteers help around 25 people with disabilities to experience horse riding and related activities which boost their self image, confidence, co-ordination, concentration and balance.

However, KRDA president Tania Fowler says work has been hampered by a lack of a covered riding area. Often sessions are cancelled by bad weather, making the long trip by riders and volunteer a waste of time.

The new arena, which has also been funded by LW Nelson Charitable Trust, Lottery Community Facilities and Pub Charity grants, will enable riding to continue year round, she says.

ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says her Trust was impressed by how hard KRDA has worked to complete the project.

“They are a well-organised community organisation with a large volunteer base and good community support,” she says.

Meanwhile, Russell Sports Club has also been given an ASBCT grant, with $90,500 going toward an upgrade of its facilities.

Ms Gill says multiple use of the sports club was a major factor in the grant decision, as it will be used by golf, baseball, soccer and rugby players.

“There are over 130 people using the fields on a regular basis, with many more supporting their achievements,” she says. “Russell Sports Club aims to increase sporting opportunities for the larger Russell area and we believe the development of a central, user-friendly venue will help towards achieving this goal.”

With the help of Far North District Council, the club has already put up a 17m-long building. The ASBCT grant will help fit it out with changing rooms, bathrooms and a kitchen area.

Also among the latest ASBCT grant announcements is Kerikeri Indoor Rowing Club, granted $45,000 to help build a new club house.

Ms Gill says the application gained support because the low-impact sport is open to a range of age groups. More than a third of members are over 65.

“We support projects that encourage people of all ages to participate in sport and recreation and our particular focus is on the young, the old and the promotion of health and fitness,” she says.

“CLUB IMPROVEMENT”

Kerikeri Indoor Rowing Club Chairperson Roger Barnard says users of the building are expected to more than double once the new club house is operative.

“We have no paid staff, all club work is voluntary and all income is used to keep fees to a minimum,” he says.

ENDS

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