In a week celebrating sporting excellence, Tauranga Riding for the Disabled is hosting their annual Ribbon Day competition this Saturday in Welcome Bay.

Sponsored by Page Earthworks, the day will see riders competing in the Champion Class competition as well as the Handy Pony, egg and spoon races, hoop over poles race, and best rider.

'This is a fun filled family day out where our riders showcase their achievements from the past year with family, friends and the Tauranga community,” says Tauranga RDA manager Elisha Olds.

'Being a charity, we rely fully on the generosity of our community to continue our work. Events like our Ribbon Day competition help us to raise awareness of our programmes and gives us the change to raise funds which go towards providing more riders with the opportunity to benefit from our equine therapy.”

Everyone is invited to join in on the celebrations which includes a good old fashioned fundraising cake stall to temp, a chance to win an incredible hamper kindly donated by Pak'n'Save Tauriko, as well as a free sausage and burger BBQ to enjoy courtesy of the fantastic Rapid Relief Team.

Tauranga RDA provides equestrian therapy and interaction programmes for the at-risk and disabled members of the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty regions.

Designed to develop and nurture confidence, independence, and well-being and to provide life skills, Tauranga RDA now caters for 165 riders per week making it the largest RDA in New Zealand.

For ways to support Tauranga Riding for the Disabled, visit their website www.taurangarda.co.nz