New Zealand Long Blacks Driving for

                     CATWALK

Going fast and to the Xtreme for Spinal Cord Cure - Research.

New Zealand Long Blacks are dedicated to the cause and are proud to be part of the CATWALK Open this 6th October @ Wainui Golf Course     

The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust (CatWalk) was founded in 2005 by Catriona Williams (MNZM) after a fall from a horse while eventing left her with a C5/6 spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia. While golf as a sport does not rank highly on the cause of spinal cord injuries, many a kilometre is walked between holes and also driving to and from the courses. Motor vehicle accidents account for 25% of all registered spinal cord injuries (SCI) in 2020 with the main cause being slips and falls which account for 46% of all injuries*. The vision of CatWalk is a world free from spinal cord injury paralysis, and since 2005, CatWalk, through the generosity of donors and fundraising events, have directly contributed over $5million to research into finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Current research being funded is based both in NZ and Australia, with a significant ongoing funding commitment being made in 2021. As a joint venture with SpinalCure Australia, the eWALK trial, and more recently – Project Spark are being undertaken by Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) , with CatWalk having committed a further NZD$2.8 million between 2021-2024. The Project Spark and eWALK trials bring together results of years of research into the area of neurostimulation. ’Neurostimulation’ refers to the modulation of neuro activity which can be through electrical or pharmacological means.

eWALK focuses on the development of non-invasive neurostimulation treatments to return feeling and function to those that have been paralysed. It is the world’s first controlled clinical trial to determine the precise benefits of neurostimulation. The trial aims to improve or restore the ability of paraplegic patients to stand and walk through the application of neurostimulation combined with physical therapy. Project Spark will see the researchers from NeuRA work with NeuroMoves clinics to commence making experimental stimulation treatments available in the community.

Results to date are showing real promise in the aim to improve functionality. While many think a cure is just about walking again, it is such things as bowel and bladder control that rank highly with those who have an SCI in terms of increasing independence in their lives. CatWalk fundraising events have attracted people from all areas of life – from a black-tie event, through to running marathons and even cycling from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp! The CatWalk Golf Open on Thursday 6 h October, 2022 is a new event and, as in usual CatWalk style, is going to be a day to remember for all the right reasons. Playing on the beautiful Wainui course just north of Auckland, two of CatWalk’s Patrons, Richie McCaw and Dion Nash will be on course alongside some other well-known NZ personalities. IF the scores are looking at little high as the teams approach the 18th hole, there will be the opportunity to have one of the NZ Long Blacks take their tee shot and who knows, that could be just the difference needed when vying for the CatWalk Green Jackets along with individual honours. Players can expect to be well catered for throughout, with the day culminating with a charity auction of selected items and experiences - all proceeds going towards this vital research needed to cure spinal cord injury paralysis. If you would like to support this event via sponsorship of a hole or a donation please contact chris@catwalk.org.nz For more information on CatWalk and the research being undertaken please visit www.catwalk.org.nz * New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Registry 2021.

Quote from Richie McCaw: As a Patron of CatWalk, I am looking forward to playing in the inaugural CatWalk Golf Open on 6 th October. While I am able to walk around the Wainui Golf Course, I think of those who currently are not able to do so because of a spinal cord injury and why it is so important to raise funds for the vital research to find a cure. Quote from Dion Nash: “As a patron of CatWalk I have; sung, danced, debated, run and now it looks like I’m going to swing (my clubs). Looking forward to seeing all the team and to supporting this incredible charity and cause once more. See you on the green!”