Mike’s transformative impact recognised

By Melanie Louden

Mike Hynard from Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™) won the
inaugural Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award. Photo: Halberg and Photosport NZ

 

Mike Hynard says he has a massive dose of imposter syndrome.

But ask anyone else and they’ll tell you that his place on the stage at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards was well deserved.

Mike, the CEO and founder of Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™), was named the winner of the inaugural Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, at an “insane, overwhelming and surreal” ceremony on February 18.

Named in honour of the late Sir Murray Halberg, the Legacy Award celebrates those whose “remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on disability sport communities in Aotearoa”.

Left to right: Mike receives the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award from Halberg Youth Council Member Sarah Clarke. Mike, left, with Sarah and David “Patch” Patchell-Evans, owner of CityFitness. Mike and his fellow award finalists.
Photos: Halberg and Photosport NZ

 

Mike was nominated for his work with his FAM™ programme which “has had a transformative impact on individuals with disabilities, providing a space for people of all ages and abilities to improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing”.

“Mike’s ability to adapt exercise and create tailored routines has made FAM™ a safe, inclusive environment where participants feel valued, supported and empowered.”

Mike’s daughter lives with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi and he runs the Cerebral Palsy Society’s getMoving classes in Auckland.

The programme has received heart-warming feedback from parents since it began in July 2024.

Mike took his trophy into getMoving to show the children.

 

“It’s really worthwhile for my son.” “Definitely great for confidence.” “Mike is incredible – so motivating and encouraging and very relatable to the children. He knows how to talk with them.”

The Legacy Award, co-sponsored and presented by CityFitness, has given Mike a boost.

“Being recognised on a stage like that ….. has given me energy and motivation to say we’re doing the right thing. Let’s keep going.”

Mike hopes the limelight and recognition that is coming from receiving such a respected award will lead to many new interactions and support for FAM™ and the wider aspect of adaptive exercise.

“It’s a well needed boost to put us on the map. Each connection is an opportunity to take this to another level.”

Mike, pictured with his partner Kathrin Simon, says there was “so much glam and glitter” at the awards night. “It was beyond my normal realm.”

 

During his acceptance speech, Mike acknowledged Sir Murray.

“Thank you for setting a standard of resilience, compassion and excellence that we strive to uphold. I choose to take this responsibility seriously in my journey going forward.”

After the ceremony Mike was told by someone who used to work with Sir Murray that “if Sir Murray was here, he would have been in tears with absolute joy – your values are so aligned”.