Halberg was proud to partner with Mel O’Neill from the Waikato BLENNZ team and Sport Waikato to deliver the Te Aroha Term 2 All Abilities Day. With 40 students from 11 schools attending, it was a fantastic day celebrating adapted sport while also offering valuable professional development for school staff and whānau.
A huge thank you to WaiBOP Football, Te Aroha Bowls Clubs, Sport Waikato, and Parafed Waikato for bringing their inclusive approaches to this kaupapa. Students had the opportunity to build their skills in a range of activities, including wheelchair skills and basketball led by the Parafed Waikato team. It was also a great chance for families and schools to learn more about the amazing opportunities Parafed offers.
WaiBOP Football, with the incredible duo Shay and Scott, once again created a fun and inclusive environment where students could develop their football skills in ways that suited them – including powerchair users bumping the ball with their chairs and using noodles.
It was also fantastic to have members from local bowls clubs involved (thanks Ksenia from Sport Waikato for coordinating), working alongside tauira with diverse abilities and building their confidence in inclusive delivery. To wrap up the day, schools and whānau were encouraged to connect with their local clubs, helping strengthen pathways for ongoing participation.
We are very grateful to Matamata-Paiko District Council for their generous support in providing the Silver Fern Farms Te Aroha Event Centre free of charge. Having access to an indoor venue means events like this can go ahead regardless of weather and allowed us to utilise the sports wheelchairs loaned by Parafed Waikato.
There was so much positive kōrero following the event, and we’re excited about the possibility of returning to Te Aroha in Term 4 – watch this space!
