Sir Murray will be remembered as one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever athletes. The Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winner also founded the Halberg Foundation. Launched in 1963, the Foundation was set up to enhance the lives of physically disabled young New Zealanders through sport and recreation.
Sir Murray was also responsible for re-invigorating the New Zealand's Sportsman of the Year Awards, now known as the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards. It is well recognised that Sir Murray exemplified the human spirit triumphing over adversity.
As a teenager, he badly injured his arm during a game of rugby. But he found the mental toughness to battle his way back to recovery. He turned from cricket and rugby to running, where his feats on the track spanning more than a decade, captured the hearts of New Zealanders.
After attending a fundraising dinner in Canada for children with disabilities, Sir Murray was inspired on his return to New Zealand to create a similar charitable event. The following year, Sir Murray rallied friends and colleagues to help resurrect the then defunct ‘Sportsman of the Year Awards’, as a fundraising dinner for his newly created charity.
The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards now stand as the pre-eminent event to honour and celebrate New Zealand sporting success and continues to be the major fundraising event for the Halberg Foundation.
Just as sport had a significant impact on Sir Murray’s life, his charity has provided thousands of New Zealanders with the opportunity to reap the benefits of participating in sport and recreation. He frequently expressed his gratitude to supporters, funders and friends in helping the Halberg Foundation to fulfil his vision of an inclusive New Zealand. Halberg Foundation Chief Executive, Tom Smith says Sir Murray made an enormous contribution to New Zealand.
“The Halberg team past and present greatly miss Sir Murray and the inspiration he gave to each and every one of us. Sir Murray was truly dedicated to creating an inclusive New Zealand” he says.
Sir Murray leaves an amazing legacy. The Halberg Foundation will continue to strive to ensure that all New Zealanders - regardless of physical ability - can reap the many benefits of being active.
Content and photos courtesy of the Halberg Foundation
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