Mount Maunganui will host a surfing event this summer giving physically disabled youngsters the opportunity to experience the thrill of surfing.

Flight Centre Foundation chairman James Sanders, Oliver Emery, Halberg Disability Sport Foundation trustee Rob Waddell.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation announced today a partnership with the Flight Centre Foundation is making the series possible.

Mount Main Beach will host the second of five events on December 13.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation will work with Surfing New Zealand, surf clubs and local schools to provide training and adaptive equipment so physically disabled young people can have a go at surfing.

Its support of the Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Surf Programme includes the essential funding required to produce the events and will also see some of its 1,200 staff across the country participate in the training and volunteering at each beach event.

The Flight Centre Foundation is also donating adaptive equipment to each surf club involved in the programme to ensure they can offer ongoing events and support for physically disabled young Kiwis interested in surfing.

The type of equipment includes an adjustable beach wheelchair – which is able to traverse beaches and roll straight into the water.

Flight Centre Foundation chairman James Sanders says this is a great opportunity to give back to local New Zealand communities and offer young Kiwis an amazing experience.

'This will provide these kids with a whole new set of skills and experiences, and for some, it may even be the start of an ongoing interest in sport.

'It's also an extremely exciting opportunity for our staff to give back locally, to children who rarely get the opportunity to participate in these types of activities.”

Halberg Disability Sport Foundation CEO Geoff Burgess is particularly pleased to welcome the Flight Centre Foundation, as the partnership will extend the organisations' important disability sport work around the country.

'As Kiwis, being able to experience the joys of our beautiful beaches is something we all feel entitled to,” says Geoff.

'Our surf programme will be an exciting learning journey for the Flight Centre team and the surf clubs involved – opening the way for more physically disabled young people to experience the thrill of catching wave.

'We are delighted that the Flight Centre Foundation shares our goal – enhancing lives through sport.”

New Zealand's largest travel retailer, Flight Centre, established its Foundation in 2013 to give back to local communities across the country.

Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Surf Programme beach events:

• Tutukaka beach, Northland, Saturday 29 November 2014
• Mt Maunganui beach, Mt Maunganui Saturday 13 December 2014
• Oakura beach, Taranaki, Saturday 31 January 2015
• Sumner beach, Christchurch, Saturday 28 February 2015
• St Clair beach, Dunedin, Sunday 1 March 2015

Full event details will be listed at www.halbergallsports.co.nz