Olympians lend names for Grace

TOP ITEMS: Play For Grace organising secretary Samantha Thompson shows off an autographed New Zealand rowing singlet as one of the items for the Play For Grace charity auction.

The Play For Grace auction evening on Saturday includes a London Olympics New Zealand rowing singlet signed by Kiwi medal winners.

The evening finishes a day of sport to raise money for Grace Yeats, 11, of Carterton, who suffers from an extremely rare brain disease that has rendered her unable to move, speak or swallow.

Fundraising secretary Samantha Thompson contacted the New Zealand Olympic Committee for something to auction at the after-match function.

The singlet is signed by Eric Murray (rowing); Joseph Sullivan (rowing); Andrew Nicholson (equestrian); Blair Tuke (sailing); Janelle Richards (equestrian); Mark Todd (equestrian); Carline Powell (equestrian); Simon van Velthooven (cycling); Hamish Bond (rowing); Peter Taylor (rowing); Jack Paget (equestrian) and Peter Burling (sailing).

This Saturday, the Parliamentary rugby and netball teams will travel to Wairarapa to take on a local Play For Grace XV and netball side.

Following the netball at noon, the Parliamentary rugby team will take on the Play for Grace team at the Carterton Rugby Club at 2.30pm.

An after-match function will begin at 5pm and includes a charity auction and entertainment.

The rugby side is stacked with local stars, including Marty Berry, Joe Harwood, Dillon Higgison, Dave Drummond, Carterton Mayor Ron Mark and ex-MP Edwin Perry.

The Parliament side will feature MPs Damien O'Connor, Cam Calder, Iain Lees-Galloway and is coached by former All Black manager Richie Guy.

Parliament's netball team includes MPs Louisa Wall, Nanaia Mahuta and Meka Whaitiri.