Athletics
Achilles International New Zealand
Achilles International is a worldwide organisation whose mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, promote personal achievement, and enhance self-esteem and lower barriers.
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Gymnastics
Play Gym Discovery Classes – Franklin Gymsports – Pukekohe
Bev Eastman, the Playgym/Discovery Coordinator at Franklin Gymsports runs discovery gymnastics for disabled people of all ages, using the 7 fundamental movements through play and the gymnastics equipment. Bev is wanting to build these classes and build awareness that this service is available within the Franklin and wider community.
There are 3 classes:
- Monday 3.15pm – 4.00pm (primary school to teens)
- Wednesday 10.00am – 10.45 am (Mums & bubs group)
- Thursday 12.30 – 1.30 pm (teenage to adult)
- Saturday 9.00am – 9.45am (all welcome)
Public casual classes are Tuesday and Thursday at 10.00am – 10.45 and Wednesday and Thursday 11.00am – 11.45 Parent led ages 18months – 5 years. Disabled children welcome.
Email playgym@franklingymsports.co.nz, or phone the gym club on 09 238 8290 or phone Bev on 027 246 2223.
Horse riding
Ambury Park Centre
Riding therapy with a difference, where horses help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults with physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual disabilities.
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Headway Equestrian – Silverdale, Auckland
Headway Equestrian believe that children of all abilities can discover the joy of contact with horses and horse riding. They provide an encouraging and stimulating environment where children can engage in activities that are specifically designed to improve balance and co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills, concentration, listening and communication skills.
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New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA)
New Zealand Riding for the Disabled provides therapeutic interaction with horses in order to develop increased ability and self esteem for children and adults with physical and intellectual difficulties. NZRDA is an association of 56 member groups. Groups offer varying services according to the needs of their riders. The three general fields covered by RDA in New Zealand are therapy and rehabilitation, education, behaviour modification and social contact. Some groups also incorporate Driving for the Disabled into their programme.
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Martial arts & fitness
Martial arts and fitness classes at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre
Self defence and fitness training classes for children and adults with special needs. Classes are fully structured yet flexible and cater to a full spectrum of abilities, both intellectual and physical. Involving primarily Brazilian Jujitsu techniques (without the kimono/gi), mixed with boxing for fitness (no sparring until a student is fully ready), and multiple fitness exercises within a group.
Phone Nathan Wright on 021-1606157 or email nathan7931@yahoo.com to register your interest.
Taekwon Do at Takanini Community Church
Classes are run in term time and are held at the Takanini Community Church at 160 Great South Road in Takanini.
To send messages of interest or to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact Robyn) via email robynferrieritftkd@gmail.com or phone 0211020066.
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Velca Fun Fit
Velca Fun Fit is an exciting weekly 2 hour class designed for people with disabilities, to improve health and well-being while having fun and making new friends. If you love music you will love Velca Fun Fit! Our wonderful trainers ensure that the class is tailored to all abilities and that people are supported to achieve and have fun. If anyone is interested in a one hour class, please contact me to discuss options.
For more information about Velca Fun Fit in your area, or to discuss how to sign up, please phone or text Louise on 027 429 4131 or email louise@velca.co.nz.
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Rugby
MA Rugby: Mixed Ability Rugby
Coming from overseas and ready for an introduction in New Zealand; Mixed Ability Rugby involves players, coaches and volunteers both with and without disabilities in the same team, generating social inclusion and improving health, confidence and social skills. The team is a mix of people with disabilities, former players and players who are new to the game. It works by having experienced players on the team who act as ‘facilitators’ for disabled players and those that are new to the game.
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Sailing
Sailability Auckland
Since 1991 Sailability Auckland has been providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to learn to sail, or just to experience being in control of a sailing boat. Their sailing programmes are suitable for almost anyone regardless of the level of their disability or sailing skills. The yachts used have many safety features including weighted centre boards / keels ensuring the boats are virtually impossible to capsize.
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Snow Sports NZ
Adaptive snow sports groups
Providing access for all people with functional impairments who wish to take part adaptive snow sports. A range of regional groups, including specific disability groups organise trips to the mountains to ski and snowboard.
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Special Olympics New Zealand
Special Olympics New Zealand offers a year-round programme of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 6,000 athletes train and compete in 13 different Olympic-type summer and winter sports throughout New Zealand. Each year, Special Olympics New Zealand runs more than 200 events in over 40 towns and cities around the country. These events are supported by over 2500 volunteers and are facilitated through a network of Regional Sports Coordinators.
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Swimming
Access and inclusion
Swimming lessons for 5 and under during term term at YMCA Lagoon Pool & Leisure Centre Panmure.
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