AMY ELLIS REFLECTS ON HER MOMENT AT THE 63RD ISPS HANDA HALBERG AWARDS
‘Written by Amy Ellis
Standing on stage at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards was a moment I’ll never forget. When I first found out I’d be speaking at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, I felt incredibly honoured. It meant so much to be trusted with that opportunity. I was also quite nervous. Being visually impaired, my mind immediatly went to practical worries. “how would I know where to walk, what if I couldn’t see the teleprompter, what if I embarrassed myself?” But overall, I was mainly proud and grateful to represent the blind and low vision community on such a big stage.
It meant a lot to represent the Halberg Youth Council on such a big stage. I’ve only been on the council for just over a year, so I felt really proud to be trusted with that responsibility. Over the time I’ve been involved, I’ve truly come out of my shell and grown in confidence. Speaking that night was a moment where I felt genuinely proud of how far I’ve come.
I think it’s important that young voices are part of events like the Halberg Awards because that’s exactly what Halberg stands for: supporting and creating opportunities in sport for disabled athletes. A big part of that is listening to young people. Having youth voices involved ensures that decisions and events reflect the experiences of the next generation. We’re the ones living it right now, so our perspectives really matter.
When writing my speech, I wanted it to feel personal and honest. I thought about my younger self and how much I once believed my world had to be smaller because of my vision loss. That’s where I started. The main message I wanted people to take away was that disabled athletes don’t need sympathy, we need opportunity and belief. When we’re properly supported, we don’t just participate, we compete. I also wanted people to understand that their support truly changes lives, because it changed mine.
A line that felt especially meaningful to me was: “You don’t need special treatment. You need opportunity.” That really sums up my journey. As a visually impaired athlete, I’ve never wanted sympathy, I’ve just wanted the same chance to compete, grow, and succeed. That line felt powerful because it reflects not only my experience, but the experience of so many young disabled athletes.
It was honestly surreal being in a room filled with so many of Aotearoa’s sporting legends. It was incredibly inspiring. You could really feel the dedication and hard work behind every achievement celebrated that night. At the same time, it reminded me that every athlete, no matter their journey, starts somewhere. It made me feel proud to be part of that community.
A moment that really stood out to me was when the audience applauded halfway through my speech, after I shared that I’d finished first in the world rankings for Under-20 women in my classification for the 200 metres. It felt surreal. In that moment, I realised people were genuinely listening to my story. In the past, there have been times where speaking in front of a group felt like just another item on their agenda, but standing on that stage, I truly felt heard.
Looking back now, I’m most proud of simply standing on that stage and having the confidence to speak in front of that big of a crowd. This experience taught me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for. Standing on that stage, managing the nerves, and speaking on behalf of my community showed me how much I’ve grown in confidence. It reminded me that my voice has value and that I’m not just an athlete, but also an advocate and a leader.
Being part of the Halberg Youth Council has really prepared me for opportunities like this by giving me access to experiences I might not otherwise have. For example, inclusion trainings have taught me how to communicate effectively with different groups. The connections I’ve built within the council are also invaluable, the support and encouragement we share with each other really matters, especially knowing that we face similar challenges.
If a younger version of myself had seen me on that stage, she would have said, “No way! That’s me!” I would have never believed I’m where i am today.
To me, inclusion in sport means creating an environment where everyone, regardless of ability or background, has the opportunity to participate, compete, and feel valued. It’s about making sure people aren’t excluded because of something they can’t control, like a disability, and that they can still experience the confidence, teamwork, and joy that sport brings. Personally, it’s also about feeling respected and supported, knowing that my abilities are recognised and celebrated rather than overlooked. Inclusion makes sport a place where everyone belongs.
To other young disabled people who might be afraid to use their voice, I’d say that their voice matters and that what they have to say is important. It’s normal to feel nervous or unsure, but speaking up can make a real difference, not just for themselves, but for others too. Don’t wait for permission to be heard, start small if you need to, but keep sharing your ideas and experiences. There are people and communities out there, like the Halberg Youth Council, that will support and encourage you. Your perspective is valuable, and using your voice can inspire change and open doors you might never have imagined.
When I think about the future of inclusive sport in Aotearoa, i think the first and foremost part of thinking about the future of inclusive sport, is simply making all sports and sports organisations aware that everyone is capable of playing sport and providing that support and encouragement to all of their athletes. That’s what inclusiveness is.
In terms of what’s next, in terms of halberg, continue to take any opportunity given to me as. And provide as much of my voice to help and support change and awearness in sport.
But in regards ot my sport – sprinting, my long term goal is the paralympics but short term, is to continue to believe in myself and train towards Oceania’s and hopes of making the world para athletics championships in 2027.
