July 2010 - Battle of the Bridges Boccia Tournament - report by Cathy Tooman
The Battles of the Bridges boccia tournament was held at the Alan Brewster centre on the 17th /18th July 2010. Many IRIS clients participated including Damon, Sonya, Yung, Marie, Shannon, Lynette, Rodney and Michael Bull, plus staff who were on shift at the time - Ati, Cozulla, Lalita plus south lifestyle coordinators Fisi & Kathy. Without the staff willing to attend as ramp assistants, many of the players would miss out so thanks to them.
Everyone had a great time and we were all pleased when 4 out of our 6 won - Michael Bull and Damon took out their division and Rodney Arts won his with his partner but overall North Shore were the winners. The Nationals are being held in November at Alan Brewster Centre and we hope our clients will be able to attend.
.JPG)
July 2010 - IRIS Artwork Commissioned for Auckland Central Police Station
A group of IRIS clients were recently fingerprinted and breathalysed at Auckland Central Police Station. However, none of them were under investigation – the activities were all part of a visit as part of the Work With Purpose programme.
The group tried out the latest fingerprinting and forensic techniques for themselves then enjoyed getting close up with police vehicles.
And Marie, Anthony, Yung and Lynnette clearly made a great impression. Tony Geldenhuys, Customer Services Manager at the station has commissioned artwork from the talented group to be displayed in the foyer. Inspiration for the art will come from the visit and the creative process is already underway with the guidance and support of Marion Gordon-Flower, IRIS Rehabilitation & Arts Therapist.
June - Journeys - Performing and Visual Arts Event
Early June saw many IRIS performers and artists come together to share their life experiences through different art forms. Live drama performances at TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre) in Western Springs were directed by drama teacher Paula Crimmens and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and performers.
Incorporating poetry, music, film and even trapeze, some highlights of the performance are summed up by Ross Flood from the Cerebral Palsy Society, 'I loved the video of two groups of disabled guys racing each other home with the losers shouting the beer. Especially when taxi vans morphed into fighter places which fired up the imagination'. He adds, 'These actors have found a vehicle for their voice and are using it to speak out about their experiences. I hope they continue to perform and develop their potential'.
The 'Different Journeys' art exhibition, inspired by guest artist Penny Otto, was also shown in the foyer at TAPAC with most of the paintings sold by the end of the event.
