Standing on stage at Spark Arena during the 2026 Halberg Awards was not something Jono Schepers ever imagined. For a young coach dedicated to helping rangatahi with disabilities, sharing a space with Olympic gold medallists and world championship winning coaches was nowhere on the 25 year old’s radar. But as a finalist for the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, that is exactly where he found himself.
Jono was one of four finalists for the prestigious award, presented at New Zealand’s premier sports awards evening. The Halberg Legacy Award recognises individuals who have made a positive difference in the lives of disabled young people in Aotearoa through sport, recreation or play.
His training programme, Amplified Ability, offers young people with physical and intellectual disabilities in the Nelson and Tasman region the opportunity to explore resistance and movement training in a supportive, inclusive space. Jono is passionate about the programme and the impact it has had, but he was blown away by the nomination.
“It came as a complete surprise. To be nominated alongside other people in New Zealand who have made such an amazing impact in our field was really special.”
He admits he felt a little starstruck on the red carpet but says one part of the evening stood out.
“Being able to meet the other finalists for the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, and the people they are involved with, was incredible. I’ll be honest, I had a little bit of imposter syndrome meeting them for the first time, but it was such a rewarding feeling to connect with like-minded people and learn about the things they are doing in the coaching space. I’ve made connections for life.”
Jono began his health coaching career seven years ago after leaving Waimea College in 2018. With an interest in health and fitness, he coached overseas and later in the North Island, helping Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) patients return to full health. Three years ago he returned home to join the Align Functional Fitness team in Richmond. Align supports people with advanced health and fitness needs, providing an ideal base for Jono to pilot Amplified Ability.
His focus now is to continue supporting youth with disabilities on their health and fitness journeys and expand the reach of the programme.
“We’re in the planning stages for school terms two and three right now and exploring how we can help as many students with disabilities as possible.”
