Wahine Toa Tour Aotearoa announcement

Hannah Pascoe, who lives in Invercargill, is blind and was chasing a dream to be at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as a para-cyclist on a tandem bike.

“Since 2017 I have been chasing the dream of becoming a Paralympian in paracycling with a break in between to start our little whanau. Sadly and despite my best efforts, this dream is not to be. I’m happy to say despite this news, I’m going out among the top 10 fastest tandems in the world. I will be retiring from high performance sport but don’t want to waste all my training and hard work so I want to achieve one more big thing before settling down into normal everyday whanau life.”

Hannah Pascoe in the centre of the picture in cycling gear and smiling at camera, along with Janet and Kara in Janets cycling kit which is under her business called the rig.

Blind Sport is proud to partner with her project to become the first kāpō wahine to cycle the length of Aotearoa from 8-29 November 2023 (there has only been one blind low vision member who has completed this - Paul Glass from Timaru who rode the Tour of Aotearoa 3000km distance over 21 days).  The aim of her project is to raise awareness for blind and low vision athletes and fundraise for future blind/low vision athletes to chase their dreams in sport just like she did. All funds raised going to growing Blind Sport and giving our community hope that chasing dreams is possible.

In Hannah’s own words

‘First… one more milestone to tick off that is within my control. Become the first blind female to cycle the 2300km roads of Aotearoa. And what’s a big event without a cause. To raise money and awareness for our blind and low vision members in sport. But wait, there’s more!

I’ll be joined by my outstanding cousin Kara who’ll be taking up pilot once again and who originally got me into cycling. Along next, Janet queen of endurance whom I I first met her at SIT.  She was only a long distance runner until we converted her into a multi sporter and has since completed 3 coast to coast events. Also to join the Wahine Toa Tour of Aotearoa, our extraordinary Aunty Marcia who has been a part of this journey from the start along with Aunty Ora to follow us over 20 long days across the motu.’

Please see below for the current schedule (subject to change with weather conditions!) You can support this great project in so many ways! Joining them on road bikes for part of the journey, cheer on from the side lines when they arrive at a destination, donating to the cause and spreading the word about this incredible first time feat!

Since 2017, Hannah has grown a social media following so people can follow her journey of chasing dreams.  Just because she wasn’t able to qualify for the Paralympics, it does not mean it can’t happen for someone else and she wants to use her profile and reputation to help. Hannahs team are sharing their journey already with significant fundraising milestones already achieved. Daily live updates will be shared on the journey through her Facebook page raising the profile of the ride, fundraising and having a good time whilst trying to pretend legs aren’t hurting. Make sure to give it a follow now!  

https://www.facebook.com/ChasingDreamswithHannah

Want to find out more about what you can do to help – get in touch with Hannah at hannah.pascoe@icloud.com or Blind Sport at jemma@blindsport.kiwi

Map of NZ with route of hannahs trip. Text version is below

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balanced you must keep moving forward." Albert Einstein

What makes a good leader? Determination, compassion, and courage. Youth week 2023 celebrations with BLENNZ

Youth week is drawing to an end, but by no means does it mean our young people should stop being pushed into the limelight every other week of the year. Blind Sport’s Helen Johnson and Jemma Drake had the honour of being invited to a special assembly at BLENNZ Homai campus on Thursday, 18 May, to celebrate some wonderful achievements by their Akonga, and also to celebrate leadership and what it means to them.

From left to right Riley, Roman, Noa, Kyren and Ethan.

The catalyst for this assembly was Kyren Andrews, and his latest achievements in cycling. Within the assembly there was an overwhelming sense of pride, achievement, respect in the room. Students spoke about what leadership meant to them, youth workers within the school spoke about their journeys with the students, and some of the ‘ex-youth’ spoke about how much they can learn from listening to our youth.

Stuart Sloman, a Residential youth worker made an emotive speech about Roman (a BLENNZ student) and himself bonding over running, and initially him thinking it would be a fad for Roman, but very quickly realising after 1km, 2km, 3km and finishing at 5km on their first ever guided run together, Roman was SERIOUS about his running. They are now both looking forward to a 10km race in Wellington and beyond.

Kyren and his ‘Emerging Talent Award’

Finally, and fittingly, Kyren Andrews was presented his ‘Health Vision Festival of Disability Sport Emerging Talent award’ in front of his peers - the trophy a beautifully hand-carved Koru by the late Trevor Crisp – celebrating Kyren’s huge achievements and perseverance over the past couple of years on road and track. In his speech he spoke confidently about the struggles, the lessons he’s learnt along the way, including knowing it’s ok to ask for help – and thanking the huge whanau of people he has behind him at home, school and in his sport.

Kyren stands in front of audience holding koru hand carved award. 5 speakers from BSNZ and BLENNZ sit to the left of him watching on.

The students of BLENNZ continue to blow us away with their insights on leadership that really show how much they need to be front and centre in everything we do. Their ideas on leadership are heartfelt, wise and something we can all aspire to.

In their words:

“An inspiring leader is personable, determined, and asks for help when needed. My inspiring leader is ‘Jordyn With a Why’ (Artist)”

— Ethan

“They are accepting of everyone no matter their race, religion, gender identity or sexuality. They can ask for help when they need it even though it can be really difficult and might make them feel uncomfortable. An effective leader guides people but knows to give them space to grow. Jazz Thornton is my inspiring leader. (Mental Health Advocate, International Speaker, Director and Author)”

— Riley

“I think good leadership is someone who is not shy to speak, is well-respected, resilient and doesn’t give up on their peers. A good leader listens to others and responds respectfully. They don’t judge others nor hurt them for no reason. My most inspiring person is my Dad, Phillip Parahi and an artist called Lil Skies and David Goggins (American Runner).”

— Roman

“What makes a good leader? Determination, compassion, and courage. They are unlikely to give up. They look after their whanau and make an effort to understand others. They know that on the battlefield of life, there is no mercy. In order to survive, a good leader must be able to lead their people through the challenges that life, in its unrelenting fury, tries to throw at us all. However, the most important quality that makes a good leader is the ability to recognise that they can’t always do things on their own and will know when to reach out for help. An inspiring leader to me is Jacinda Ardern (former PM) for her resilience in the face of Covid.”

— Kyren

Blind Sport Funding for Halberg Games 2023

Want to get to the Halberg Games this year? Blind Sport have funding available to help support blind, deafblind and low vision participants again to attend the 2023 Halberg Games. This funding can cover entry fees, transport and accommodation costs for both participants and a parent/caregiver. The funding is limited and amounts approved will depend on the number of suitable applications.

The Halberg Games 2023 will take place on Friday 14 April - Sunday 16 April at Kings College, Auckland.

With over 20 sports, an opening ceremony, family festival activities and the presentation of trophies and prizes at the closing ceremony. Plus much more, the Halberg Games is one not to be missed!

Download the application form below:

If you would like to know more information about the event and how it works please contact jemma@blindsport.kiwi or call 022 599 3961

Video of halberg games

Free Auckland Bike ride series

Blind Sport NZ have organised a series of bike rides across Auckland in 2023 with our friends from Outdoor Experience and you are all invited. 

Whether you have never tried to ride or Tandem before and want to try/learn something new, haven’t ridden in forever, or you are a well seasoned cyclist,  we would love for you to join us. We actively want all family and friends to come along and enjoy the day with us for a relaxed and fun morning, each day ending in a picnic/bbq. We will have professional instructors leading each of the sessions, and will cater to every ability.

Spare bikes and tandems will be available for those that do not have their own, trikes and other specialist bikes may be available upon request. 

Each of the 5 rides will start at 9.30am and will finish each rides with the BBQ at 12pm 

18th March 9.30am - Tamaki Pathway Ride, Mt Wellington War Memorial Park

20th April 9.30am - Mangere Bridge to Waikaraka Park

20th May 9.30am - Owairaka Park to Waterview

17th June 9.30am- Southern Path & Karaka Loop

7th July 9.30am - Beachlands to Maraetai Path, Omana Park

Cost is FREE.

Any questions please email jemma@blindsport.kiwi or phone 022 599 3961

Job offer - Dans le Noir ? Auckland

Dans le Noir ? restaurant in Auckland is opening at the beginning of march and they are looking to employ guides. 

What is Dans le Noir? ?

Since 2004, Dans le Noir ? restaurant offers all over the world the opportunity to taste gourmet, creative and seasonal cuisine in complete darkness, accompanied and served by unexpected guides. Dinner or lunch in pitch darkness is an original experience that allows us to re-evaluate our perception of taste while reclaiming our senses, to reinvigorate our relationship with the world and others and to experience a surprising encounter with something different.

By reversing the roles, Dans le Noir? invites its visitors to a moment of deep empathy. An unusual experience that breaks codes, hierarchies, blockages and preconceptions. Nowadays, we are around to announce that Dans le Noir? has employed directly or indirectly nearly one hundred people with disabilities.

If you are interested in knowing more, please get in touch by sending an email to Lara FACCHINETTI: auckland@danslenoir.com. An information session will be organized late February to answer all your questions about the position.

Click the below link to find out more about the Job, and what skills you will need.