Kia ora!
ParaFed Otago’s mission is to champion sports and recreational opportunities for people with physical disabilities and visual impairments.
Want to join in on the fun?
ParaFed Otago is one of the leading regional disability sport and recreation organisations in New Zealand. If you have always wanted to be involved in a sport or activity, but have been unsure where to start, then we are here to help you.
Our Sports
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Halberg gamesThe Halberg Games aims to provide high-quality sporting opportunities for young disabled people. It provides the youth with a pathway to the Paralympic Games as well as provides them with an opportunity to experience participation and enjoyment through being physically active.
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AthleticsAthletics is run where athletes will learn the fundamental skills for running, jumping, and throwing. Through this programme, we are hoping to build confidence and eventually, connect with athletics clubs around the region.
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Adaptive Snow SportsAdaptive Snow Sports is about providing accessible support systems to allow people with a wide range of disabilities to take to the snow and experience the freedom of snow sports with a great group of people.
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SwimmingParaFed Otago can run swimming sessions if demand presents itself, otherwise we can help connect you with the right swimming club or support you to find suitable lessons if you need them. Swimming is a crucial life skill all New Zealanders should have knowledge and capability in.
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BocciaBoccia is a test of muscle control and accuracy, requiring high focus and concentration. The goal of the sport is to throw or bowl your ball so they land as close as possible to the ‘jack’ ball, similar to petanque. Boccia is open to athletes with a high level of cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions.
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Wheelchair RugbyWheelchair Rugby is a game that is specifically designed for tetraplegics (three limbs are affected by the disability). It is a cross between basketball, American football, and ice hockey. The game is played on a basketball court, and four players per team compete at any one time.
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Wheelchair BasketballWheelchair Basketball is similar to able-bodied basketball, the size of the court, hoops, and balls are all the same. The only difference is that a player must dribble the ball every two pushes of their wheelchair; otherwise, that player will be called for traveling.
ParaFed Otago is the leading sport and recreation organisation in the Otago region for those with a physical disability. We offer quality sport and recreation services, facilities and equipment for people with physical disabilities (including visual impairments).
Our office is based at Sport Otago and we work with a variety of individuals, families, clubs, schools and organisations throughout the Otago region.
At ParaFed Otago we are passionate about creating sporting opportunities that foster enjoyment and participation while empowering success, whatever your skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide sport opportunities for people in Otago who have a physical disability. We also have adaptive equipment available for our members, schools and community groups to loan and use.
Anyone of any age who has a physical disability can become a member of ParaFed Otago. To apply for a membership, fill out our online form www.parafedotago.com/membership
The types of physical disabilities included amongst our membership are impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, loss of limb or limb deficiency, leg-length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis.
Friends and family of those with a physical disability can also join. We also appreciate any help we can get and value our volunteers. So, if you would like to volunteer with us, please contact our SDO Paris Skipper at sdo@parafedotago.co.nzfor more information.
Those with an intellectual impairment, please contact your local Special Olympics Club who may be able to offer similar services. The Lower South Island Regional Sports Coordinator for Special Olympics is Chris Moffitt. His details are 027 543 7096 or lsirsc@specialolympics.org.nz
Halberg Foundation works with schools and clubs and delivers Halberg Inclusion Trainings. This is an inclusive training course on adapting sport and recreation to include all young New Zealanders (5-21 years) in mainstream sports, recreation programmes and events. The course is to help teachers and sport developers expand knowledge and skills to deliver sporting opportunities to all. They also run the Halberg Games.
ParaFed Otago provides regular sport and recreational opportunities for those within the Otago region with a physical disability. Our work is primarily based in Dunedin, however, do cater for the entire province. We provide schools and community groups with the opportunity to experience para sport. Similar to Halberg, we also co-ordinate with existing sport and recreational groups and clubs to assist with the incorporation of people with disabilities.
One of the main differences between the two is that Halberg is strictly for those aged between 5 and 21 whereas ParaFed Otago is for all ages. This is why it can be confusing in terms of the sport delivery and club space.
Your first year of membership is free! To continue being a member, every following year is $40. This membership provides you with access to equipment, opportunities to get involved and try new sports, funding advice, and support with classification.
• Adaptive Snow Sports
• Halberg Games
• Boccia
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Wheelchair Rugby