Adviser inspiring youth
Two weeks into the job as Parafed Manawatu¯ sport development adviser and Shaz Dagg has youths in her sights.
Her energy is immense as she spoke of her drive to help Manawatu¯ youths with disabilities to come onboard.
“This is their hub and I want them to know they have somewhere to come, someone to talk to, it’s safe, and that I understand them.”
She says she’s here to encourage them to their full potential and meet for monthly sporting outings that will cover all disabilities.
“The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics is coming up and we can be there,” such is her determination.
There are many firsts for Shaz. Her arm was amputated only five months ago, but that’s not holding her back. A month after the amputation she was back in a pool.
“It was sink or swim or go around in circles.”
There’s no sinking or going around in circles for Shaz.
Two weekends ago she was New Zealand’s first triathlete competing on the Gold Coast in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Elite Para triathlon.
She was placed sixth in the international games.
October 5 and 6 Shaz will be in Auckland at the Halberg Games where she’ll be meeting and assisting and swopping ideas with other Parafed advisers from around the country.
However, the Manawatu¯ is clearly on her mind and how she’s out to inspire youths and get them up and active.
“I’m going to go into schools and help the kids to feel comfortable at school, to get involved,” she says.
Shaz says her coaches Shane and Tammy Reed have been very supportive and sponsored her as an athlete, and the Wellington Limbs Centre built the armpiece in which her limb sits so she can ride her bike in the triathlons.
Shaz says to sign on to join the Parafed hub: www.sporty.co.nz/ parafedmanawatu¯ ; email manawatu¯ parafed@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/ parafedmanawatu¯
‘It was sink or swim or go around in circles.’