Politicians face off against Waikato celebrities to help Alzheimers.

Politicians will face off against teams of Waikato celebrities this year in the annual Parliamentary Sports Trust games – and a  Waikato charity will benefit.

With the support of the Waikato Rugby Union, this year’s rugby clash will serve as the curtain raiser to the ITM Cup fixture between Waikato and Hawkes Bay at Waikato Stadium on October 13.

After a previous attempt, Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe has succeeded in his bid for the exhibition rugby match to raise funds for Alzheimers Waikato.

With Hauraki-Waikato MP, Nanaia Mahuta, Macindoe submitted a joint bid to the Trust to host  the  rugby and netball fixtures in Hamilton. The charity contests will pit the parliamentary rugby and netball  teams against Waikato celebrities.

“I’m really excited to have been allocated the games, I think that’s terrific.

“I’m enjoying working with Nanaia Mahuta. I think it’s a good example of how politicians from different parties can work together for a good cause,” Macindoe said.

Macindoe was unsuccessful in his first bid two years ago to obtain the charity event but at the time the successful event was decided by  a ballot. This year he says he worked hard in his submission alongside Mahuta.

“It was just a ballot at that stage … this time they [Parliamentary Sports Trust] did it differently and I put a lot of effort into my submission and they’ve approved it.

“That’s why I’m working with Nanaia Mahuta now to bring netball and rugby to Hamilton.”

Alzheimers Waikato chairperson Robyn Riddle welcomed the idea of the charity games to raise funds as the organisation looks to build its services.

Alzheimers Waikato has developed a new committee and structure, and Riddle praised Macindoe’s support through a difficult time.

Riddle saw this event as a great opportunity to generate some  publicity while more importantly raise funds for families affected by the disease.

“It’s great because it will mean a lot more publicity for us and hopefully some more funds.

“We use the funds directly to support the people with Dementia and their families and it goes straight back into providing staff so that we can do that.”

Alzheimers Waikato is a cause close to the heart for Macindoe who has been working to try and help them get re-established. He hopes the events will bring in a large sum.

The recruitment of teams is now underway and the Waikato celebrities side will be captained by Classic Hits breakfast host Mark ‘Bunty’ Bunting

In addition, Macindoe appealed to the public to contact him if they had any sporting memorabilia they would like to donate to raise further funds for Alzheimers Waikato.