Blenheim skater Sophie Webb plans Halloween event to fund national trip
The 10-year-old is hosting a disco, costume contest, and food sales at the local rink to cover entry fees for the New Zealand Speed Skating National Championships.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Sophie Webb, a 10-year-old member of the Blenheim Roller Skating Club, has organized a Halloween fundraiser to help pay for her team's travel to the New Zealand Speed Skating National Championships in February 2027. The event aims to offset the high costs of competition, which Webb notes run into the hundreds of dollars per athlete.
Webb, who has collected seven national medals, proposed the event after attending a meeting at a local karting club with her father. She observed how the karting community raised funds for their own club and decided to create a similar opportunity for roller skaters to reduce the financial burden on adults. The idea began as a simple sausage sizzle concept but expanded into a larger community gathering.
The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Blenheim Roller Skating Club rink on Stephenson Street. Activities scheduled for the night include a Halloween disco, a costume competition with a prize for the winner, a raffle, and a bake sale. Webb spent several hours planning the logistics of the event to ensure it runs smoothly.
Attendance is open to the public, and participants do not need to know how to skate. The club has arranged for staff to assist those who want to try the sport during the event. Entry costs are set at $5, which includes skate hire, or $2 for those who bring their own equipment. Webb expressed hope that the community will turn out in numbers to support the skaters.
In a statement, Webb described the event as an opportunity for people to have fun while contributing to the team's goals. She acknowledged feeling nervous about whether enough people would attend but expressed confidence that the evening would be enjoyable. "Every bit of support makes a big difference," she said. "I think people will have a good time."
The national championships serve as a key goal for young skaters in New Zealand, requiring significant financial investment for entry and travel. By organizing the fundraiser herself, Webb aims to demonstrate student leadership and community engagement. The event marks the first of several planned initiatives to support the club's competitive roster for the coming season.
