Harpur joins elite club

Ngaire Harpur was presented with Special Olympics New Zealand Life Membership Award at a special celebration at the Southbrook Sports Club on Saturday.

Chief executive Special Olympics New Zealand, Kathy Gibson, travelled from Wellington to present the award, one of only 25 others in New Zealand to Hapur in front of the Special Olympics North Canterbury community.

‘‘Ngaire epitomises what we are about with her extreme generosity with her time and efforts which is why it was a great honour to present her with the award in person,’’ Gibson said.

Hapur has been a part of Special Olympics since inception in 1983, supporting her sons Kyle and Wayne, forming the Canterbury Club and then helping to establish a North Canterbury branch.

‘‘She has always been one of our club’s most active volunteers, and while her focus has always been to support her sons, her dedication and supportive nature has benefited many of our athletes and volunteers,’’ Special Olympics North Canterbury Secretary Gail McClintock said.

Hapur has always been actively involved in all the club’s fundraising events but her Country and Western night are legendary in North Canterbury, McClintock said, and the funds raised over the years have benefited our club immensely.

‘‘All the hard worked she has put in over the years is the reason the club is what it is today.’’