Blind Sport New Zealand was proud to be a part of the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, powered by Parafed Bay of Plenty in March. Over one weekend, the Festival of Disability Sport brought people together from all over Aotearoa to celebrate and showcase disability sports in Tauranga.
Around 50 people aged from five to 65 came down to try out a range of sports including golf, blind cricket, goalball, and running. For many, this was their first time having a go at the sports on offer. Goalball was a particular hit, with participants enjoying the physical and competitive nature of the game. The blind cricket session, led by New Zealand Blind Cricket Association, was also a huge success, with participants taking their previous cricket experience and applying it to the adapted version of the sport.
Another highlight was the blind lawn bowls tournament, held at the Mount Maunganui Bowling Club. 22 athletes from the central and upper north island participated in the tournament. For some athletes, this was their first competition, and they had the chance to compete against New Zealand's top blind lawn bowlers who have been playing for several years.
Athletes were acknowledged at an awards evening during the festival. A massive congratulations to Sally Marston for winning the Bayfair Emerging Talent Award and Paulien Chamberlain for winning Sports Woman of the Year.
A big thank you to Mike at Bay of Plenty Golf, New Zealand Blind Cricket Association, and Achilles Tauranga for leading fantastic sessions! We couldn't have done it without you!
Attendees have a go at goalball
Attendees have a go at goalball
Attendees learn new golf skills with Bay of Plenty Golf
Participants try out blind cricket