Gabriel Goedhart

Eight year old Gabriel Goedhart discovered an early love of sports when he joined the Papatoetoe United Adapted Football Club last year.

Gabriel has cerebral palsy which results in weakness down the left side of his body. With funding from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation to attend the football programme, Gabriel has become a popular member of the club who has grown in ability and confidence.

The keen sportsman also tried his football skills at the Saint Kentigern Halberg Junior Disability Sports Day in November last year where he had the opportunity to play against other physically disabled young people from across Auckland.

Gabriel hasn’t stopped at football – he recently received a Halberg Activity Fund grant for a customised trike and is thrilled that he can now go on rides with his big sister.

His mum Monique says the trike is Gabriel’s most prized possession. “We are out every day with the trike and Gabriel is building his confidence,” she says. “Our hope is to soon go cycling as a whole family.”