A group of people supported by Central Otago Living Options charitable trust trained hard and achieved their goals in the Adaptive Challenge Wānaka multisport event last week.

Andrew Wallace, who normally uses a walker to get around, completed the event without it, an “incredible achievement”.

Personal trainer Teresa Noble crossed the finish line with him. She said it was fantastic to be there alongside him and witness the determination and courage he displayed.

Living Options recreational co-ordinator Marie Roxburgh said it was the most rewarding event to be a part of.

Nigel Winter was with son Logan at the finish line.

Marie has been helping the group of 10 train and get ready and they've been putting the mahi (work) in for the past couple of months.

“We’ve had goals throughout the year, one was to walk along the rail trail between Clyde and Alex.”

Louise Wright with her medal. 

The group have been cycling at the bike park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, walking on the Otago Central Rail Trail and also swimming every Tuesday since the start of the year.

Marie said there were beautiful big smiles at the finish, and the athletes were very supportive of each other.

She had a small group of people to support on the day of the event but she didn't mind getting on Lake Wānaka for the swim leg as the water was so warm. 

Amos van Asch on his trike during the challenge. 

It’s the third time the Central Otago Living Options team have taken part and they’ll be signing up again, Marie said.

“Everyone’s still on a bit of a high, it was great for everyone to finish.”

The 2025 course for the athletes with a physical or intellectual impairment was made up of a variety of distance options: a 25m, 50m or 100m swim, a 1, 2 or 3km bike and a 250m, 500m or 1km run. 

Some entrants were accompanied by a supporter on route and others took part on their own. 

John Halliday was stoked to complete the challenge.

Living Options Charitable Trust was set up in Alexandra in 2001 by Alison Wildey to provide support services in Central Otago for people with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities enabling them to live independently in their own community.

The trust provides flexible support for people who have a disability, enabling them to have as much control over their lives as possible while ensuring enhancement of their opportunities and the protection of their rights. 

It was the 19th edition of Challenge Wānaka this year and 2920 athletes took part over February 13 -15. 

PHOTOS: Supplied 

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