YOUTH COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT: LIV FOUNTAIN

REPRESENTATION MATTERS. FOR LIVE FOUNTAIN, IT MEANS BEING HEARD, VALUED AND INCLUDED. MAKING SURE OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FEEL THE SAME.

As Liv enters her final few months on the Halberg Youth Council, she reflects on her recent experiences at the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival, the importance of seeing people with disabilities represented in sport and leadership, and the impact that using your voice can have on others.

From gaining confidence on the slopes to thinking about the young person she once was, Liv shares why she believes disabled young people should be at the heart of conversations about sport and recreation, and why sometimes, saying yes to an opportunity can open doors you never imagined.

Q1: Last month you attended the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival. What was it like to be part of the event, and what did you enjoy most about the experience?

This was my second time attending the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival, and once again it was an amazing experience and my favourite weekend of the year. Being part of the event is so special because you’re surrounded by a community that loves what they do and encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone and push their boundaries. What I enjoyed most was improving my sit-ski skills while learning tethering, which have me more confidence and helped me continue progressing.

Q2: Was there a moment or conversation during the festival that really stayed with you afterwards?

A conversation with the organisers, Kat and Scoot, changed my mindset. We talked about how I could progress to the next level, including trying a monoski instead of a bi-ski and eventually using a slider frame. Although I wasn’t able to try those this festival because of scheduling and support availability, simply having those conversations gave me confidence. It reminded me that there were people who believed in me and supported my goals, and it made me even more excited about becoming more independent on the mountain.

Q3: This month’s theme is representation matters. What does representation mean to you as a young person with a physical disability?

Representation means being truly heard, valued, and respected within my community while also seeing a wide variety of other voices represented. It means being part of the conversation and seeing the joy and confidence of other young people blossom when they feel included.

Q4: Thinking back to when you were younger, would it have made a difference to see more people with disabilities involved in sport or leadership?

Absolutely. When I was younger there were some amazing disabled people emerging in sport and leadership, like Sophie Pascoe. But it would have been incredible to see more young people with physical disabilities represented and genuinely involved in their communities. I’ve seen firsthand the difference that true representation and inclusion can make in someone’s leadership journey.

Q5: As a member of the Halberg Youth Council, what does it mean to you to be able to share your voice and experience?

Being able to share my voice and journey means so much to me because I think about little Liv. She would have blossomed knowing someone was in her corner and believed in her. Being able to be that person for other young people is amazing, and seeing disabled young people feel represented, heard, and included makes me incredibly happy.

Q6: Do you ever think about the impact you might have on other young people who are following a similar journey?

Yes. I think about it every day. I believe this is part of my wider purpose to help other disabled people thrive and succeed in their own environments, just as others have done for me. I want to use my voice and my leadership to lift others up and make a positive impact in their lives.

Q7: Why do you think it’s important that young people with disabilities are included in conversations and decisions about sport and recreation?

Progress can’t be made if disabled voices aren’t heard, experiences aren’t shared, and people aren’t willing to keep trying. It’s important that young people with disabilities are included because their lived experiences help shape better opportunities and more inclusive environments. Their voices are essential to creating change.

Q8: What would you like other young people with physical disabilities to know if they’re thinking about trying a new sport or putting themselves forward for an opportunity?

I would say yes to every opportunity. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t done that. It has meant stepping outside my comfort zone and sometimes feeling like I didn’t belong, but saying yes has opened doors to incredible opportunities I never would have had otherwise. It won’t always be easy, but you’ve got this.

You’re some of the most resilient people I know, and you can achieve more than you think.

Q9: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of inclusive sport in New Zealand?

My hope is that we become one integrated community where there isn’t a separation between disabled and non-disabled people in sport and recreation. Anyone should be able to walk into a session, say they want to give something a try, and have the facilitators use universal design so everyone can participate. We’re already making great progress towards that goal, and I’m excited to see where it leads in the future.

Q10: Finally, what is one thing you’re looking forward to over the next few months, either personally or as part of the Halberg Youth Council?

As I wrap up my final few months on the Halberg Youth Council, I’m looking forward to handing over the mantle and supporting another young person as they begin their own leadership journey. I’m also excited to continue making a positive impact in my communities and leaving them in a better place than I found them. There are also some exciting opportunities in the pipeline because of being on the Youth Council, so watch this space. I’m really excited about what’s next.