Introducing Noah Penny, the roller-skater and skier extraordinaire.

Noah has severe autism, dyspraxia, epilepsy and is non-verbal – however he does not let this stop him!
With amazing balance and a determined attitude, Noah has previously taken part in the Special Olympics.
His passion is skiing, and he loves the sense of freedom it gives him. The season is very short, with only 6 Special Olympic training days at SnowPlanet each year as well as ‘Snow Camp’ - a preparation week on a mountain for more independent skiers.

Noah, supported by mum Megan, has successfully applied to Fund for Good for personal skiing lessons with a coach who knows and understands Noah’s needs. Previously it has been difficult for an instructor to help Noah, when there are so many others also needing the instructor’s assistance.

His self-esteem is impacted when volunteers take him back to the beginner slopes. With more support to push him to the next level of competency, hopefully one day Noah may be able to attend the Special Olympics Annual Ski Camp. He had his first skiing lesson thanks to Fund for Good last weekend and had a great time - ka pai Noah!

A big congratulations to Noah, one of our successful Fund for Good recipients. Fund for Good is an innovation programme helping to fund special projects and dreams of Manawanui customers which can’t be funded elsewhere. We are so pleased to be able to help Noah achieve success on the slopes and can’t wait to see him enjoying time on the mountainside and having a greater sense of independence.