Kids lining up and getting ready to race at a sports morning held at the BLENNZ Homai Campus
Blind Sport New Zealand (BSNZ) have partnered with the Halberg Foundation to create a nine-week multi-sport programme for blind and low vision youth in the Auckland region. This programme, designed for youth aged 5-21 years, kicks off at the end of next month and will run through until the middle of August. The programme has been designed to develop participants’ physical literacy skills and confidence while building new friendships and introducing them to a wide range of fun and exciting sports.
The Matariki Youth Sports Programme is the first of its kind in the Auckland region. BSNZ and the Halberg Foundation have connected with a wide range of sporting organisations and clubs to ensure long term opportunities for the participants once the programme ends. This includes connecting with Parafed Auckland who provide a wide range of adaptive sport opportunities including leading Team Auckland to the Halberg Games in October. Participants will have the opportunity to try out a range of sports and physical activities including rock climbing, sailing, self-defence, swimming, cycling and golf.
BSNZ Operations Manager Casey Flint said “we are really excited to offer this unique sports programme to the younger members of our blind and low vision community. This is a great opportunity for our young people to challenge themselves and hopefully find a sport or two they love!”
The Matariki Youth Sports Programme starts on the 22 June and runs to the 17 August. If you are interested in registering your child, please head to the Auckland Youth Programme page on the BSNZ website or email Casey at casey@blindsport.kiwi or Kerrie on kerrie@halberg.co.nz
Blind Sport New Zealand can’t do the work we do without the generous support of the community. If you are interested in supporting BSNZ please check out our Support page.