Top of page
Sports

New Zealand launches Regional Community Para-Sport Pilot to expand inclusive sporting

Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games
Photo: Dreamstime

A new initiative has been launched in New Zealand to enhance participation opportunities for people with disabilities in sports. The Regional Community Para-Sport Pilots program aims to create more inclusive and accessible sporting opportunities for athletes with disabilities across the country.

“Athletics New Zealand is very excited to be a recipient of the Paralympics New Zealand Regional Community Para Sport Pilot across the Gisborne, Northland, and Southland regions in 2023. There has been considerable regional growth in community athletics in recent years. This pilot will enable us to establish a sustainable programme and legacy by working with clubs and centres in these regions. These pilot projects will complement our Disability Inclusion Fund projects.” Said Athletics New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Pfitzinger.

The Regional Community Para Sport Pilots will benefit the six regions as well as enhance Para sport capability within both national sports organisations. This capability will be the foundation for disabled people participating in the Para sport regularly. Ultimately, PNZ wants to see every disabled person have equal access to participate in sport as their non-disabled peers.

“We want to see more disabled people participating in quality community Para sport, including people who have previously been inactive. We believe the way to do that is to bring together the parties who can make it happen – that’s why this is a co-design involving national sports organisations, their regional organisations or clubs, and Parafeds or similar organisations.” Said PNZ’s Para Sport Community Manager Marianne Loh

“In the short term, the Pilots will increase Para sport capability and capacity. Longer term we look forward to seeing an increased number of regional sports organisations and/or clubs will develop inclusive organisational practices, awareness of diversity and inclusion of disabled athletes.”

The Regional Community Para Sport Pilots will bring together national and regional sports organisations with clubs, Parafeds or similar organisations. The investment will help these organisations collaboratively build new regional community Para sport offerings whilst also enhancing existing opportunities.

The organisations will take a community co-design approach to create fit-for-purpose Pilots. Co-design of the Para athletics pilot is due to start next month, with delivery beginning in October 2023 in Gisborne, Northland, and Southland.

You might also like

Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games Agnes Wessalowski of Germany competes in long jumping at the Special Olympics World Games

Disability Sports Australia introduces new strategy

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) unveils the debut of its latest…

People wearing the colours of the French flag wave in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris. People wearing the colours of the French flag wave in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris.

France launches Olympic and Paralympic Week with a focus on inclusion

The Olympic and Paralympic Week has kicked off in France,…

A disabled man in a wheelchair. Holding a white little ball. A disabled man in a wheelchair. Holding a white little ball.

DSA and UniSport Australia partner to promote inclusive sports

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) has announced a new partnership with…

Group photo of students with disabilities and staff Group photo of students with disabilities and staff

NYC Public Schools and Special Olympics join forces to enhance sports programs

New York City Public Schools has teamed up with Special…