10-year-old to host $5 disco to fund speed skating nationals

A 10-year-old speed skater in Blenheim has organized a Halloween disco to raise funds for the New Zealand Speed Skating National Championships in February 2027. Sophie Webb of the Blenheim Roller Skating Club needs to cover entry costs for herself and her fellow skaters, with each competitor facing fees of several hundred dollars.

The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, 31 October, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the club rink on Stephenson Street. Entry is $5, which includes skate hire, or $2 if attendees bring their own skates. The event features a costume competition, a sausage sizzle, a bake sale, and a raffle.

Webb, a student at Whitney Street School, came up with the idea after attending a meeting at a local karting club with her father. Her brother is an active karting participant, and club members discussed fundraising strategies during the meeting. Webb decided to organize her own event to reduce the financial pressure on adults. She initially considered a sausage sizzle but expanded the plan to include a full disco and multiple fundraising activities.

Webb has already won seven medals at national competitions. She spent hours planning the Halloween event and is hoping for strong attendance to help the team travel to the championships. She noted that she feels a bit nervous about whether enough people will show up, but she is looking forward to the costume competition.

“Anyone is welcome, you don’t have to be able to skate but if you want to give it a go, someone will be here to help,” Webb said. She added that the event is open to everyone, not just skaters, and that volunteers will be available to assist beginners.

“It would mean a lot to me if more people could come along, have fun, and help me and the other skaters get to Nationals,” Webb said. She emphasized that every dollar raised helps offset the travel and entry expenses for the team.

The Blenheim Roller Skating Club will manage the rink and activities during the three-hour event. Proceeds from ticket sales and the food and raffle stalls will go toward the team's participation in the February 2027 national championships.