A JOURNEY OF GROWTH, CONNECTION, AND INCLUSION
As Sarah Clarke approaches the end of her time on the Halberg Youth Council, she reflects on a journey that has been defined bu collaboration, leadership, and a genuine passion for making sport and recreation more inclusive for young people with disabilities.
Sarah was first inspired to join the Youth Council by her desire to make a difference. Having already seen the impact of Halberg’s programmes and events, she wanted to contribute in a way that used her own experiences to help others and drive real change. The Council offered the perfect opportunity – a space where young people with disabilities could use their voices, share their perspectives, and work together to shape a more inclusive future.
Walking into her first hui, Sarah felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but that quickly turned into a deep sense of belonging. She was surrounded by motivated young leaders from across Aotearoa, all connected by a shared purpose and energy. It was an environment that encouraged openness, learning, and contribution – one that made her feel supported from the very beginning.
Throughout her time on the Council, Sarah has been part of countless meaningful moments. The hui stand out highlights – times when members came together to brainstorm ideas, share stories, and collaborate on projects that had a direct impact on accessibility and inclusion in sport. She found these gatherings not only rewarding but energising, a reminder of how powerful collective action can be.
Another defining moment came when Sarah discovered para table tennis through Halberg. The experience sparked a new passion and reminded her of why inclusive sport matters so deeply. Participating in table tennis showed her the joy, growth, and confidence that comes from being able to take part fully, and it reinforced her belief in creating similar opportunities for others.
For Sarah, the friendships and connections formed along the way have been just as meaningful as the projects themselves. The laughter shared on road trips, the in-between moments at hui, and the sense of family amoung the group are memories she’ll always treasure. Those experiences build on bond that extend far beyond the Council meetings and events – a network of like-minded people who truly understand and support each other.
Her time on the Youth Council has also been one of personal and professional growth. Sarah has developed skills in teamwork, public speaking, event management, communication, and advocacy. She’s learned that leadershup isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but about listening, supporting others, and leading with empathy. Alongside these achievements came lessons in balance – managing her commitments, pacing herself, and recognising the importance of rest and support when needed.
Being part of a team og young leaders with shared values has had a lasting impact on Sarah. The sense of community and understanding among the group gave her confidence and reaffirmed that real change happens when people come together with purpose. The friendshi[s she’s formed have become a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, and she knows they’ll continue long after her time on the Council.
As she looks to the future, sarah hopes the next generation of Youth Council members will continue the momentum – building on what has already been achieved and bringing their own creativity, perspectoves, and energy to the mahi. She wants to see the conversations around accessibility and inclusion continue to grow and to inspire even more young people to get involved in sport and recreation.
Looking ahead, Sarah plans to stay involved in advocacy and inclusion work. The Youth Council has given her the confidence and foundation to keep influencing spaces where everyone feels they belong. Para table tennis has become a key part of her next chapter, combining her love for sport with her passion for encouraging others to get involved.
For Sarah, inclusion isn’t just something she advocates for – it’s a mindset she carroes into everything she does. Her journey with the Halberg Youth Council has not only shaped who she is as a leader but also strengthened her belief in the power of representation, collaboration, and community. Her stroy is a reminder that when young people are given a platform to share their voices, they can create lasting change – both for themselves and for future generations.
