Sports event great success
A record number of young Northlanders living with a physical disability have tried new sports in a bid to engage in sport.
Just under 50 youths aged between seven and 21 years from all over the region took part in Parafed Northland’s Junior Disability Sports Day at Whangarei’s ASB Stadium recently.
The aim of the event is to connect and inspire Northland youth to become involved in sport of some sort - socially or competitively.
Entrants tried out various track and field events, visually impaired sports, boccia, wheelchair basketball, powerchair football, badminton and taekwondo.
Parafed Northland is an organisation solely about getting physically disabled into sport. Chairwoman Vicki Meyer says it was amazing to see so many youth take up the opportunity.
‘‘It’s awesome for disabled sport in the region,’’ she says. ‘‘We aimed to give all those involved a positive experience with sport.’’
In previous years the event has been well attended, with some going on to join a club.
‘‘Sport is such a powerful vehicle for young people to socialise and learn about themselves. We are all about inclusive sport and recreation opportunities, we want to see people living with physical disabilities enjoying sport the same as anyone else.’’