2022-10-20 12:22:48
Michael’s haka sweeps Oxfordshire Talent Show
Michael secured the win with his enthusiastic take on the haka at a recent talent show for people with learning disabilities.
Michael Woodland, a person supported by national learning disability charity, Hft, impressed the judges with his winning performance of the haka at an Abingdon talent show on 26 September.
The night showcased talents from singing to stand-up and dancing to painting. However, it was Michael’s well-practised performance of the New Zealand Māori tradition that won the show at the end of the night.
Hft is a national learning disability charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, like Michael, to live independently. It encourages opportunities that enable people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.
When asked about Michael’s performance, Cluster Team Manager at Hft, Jamie Walker, said, “Doing the haka is one of Michael’s favourite things to show all people he meets.”
“All the judges thought Michael was outstanding, and his performance brought the house down! He’d originally planned to sing, but given the level of competition he knew he had to play his strongest hand – and it paid off!”
The talent show was put on by the Abingdon Monday Club who hold weekly events for people with learning disabilities to attend, enjoy and, in this instance, showcase their talents.
Find out more about Hft support in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
