Parafed Manawatu members are hopeful plans to strengthen their presence in the community will come to fruition with support from locals.
The organisation held their annual general meeting this week to inform the public of future plans for physically disabled people in the Manawatu.
Disability sport adviser John Sigurdsson and Parafed volunteer Helen Johnson spoke of their intentions to rebuild Parafed Manawatu as well as detailing their future goals and the demand for new volunteers and athletes.
Parafed Manawatu is an organisation that helps local athletes achieve their sporting goals by giving them training and support they need for the Paralympics.
Mrs Johnson said there were local athletes who would potentially be able to go to the Paralympics within the next five years, as long as they had a strong Parafed.
"We really need Manawatu people to step up and be volunteers and help us out to be able to advance the talent of these athletes and give them the opportunities and support that they deserve. We need volunteers to be able to help with admin, finances, event management and to rebuild our website; also we are looking for any potential athletes who want to do training."
Parafed Manawatu plan to work with Massey University to set up wheelchair basketball while providing more support for wheelchair rugby.
"We would like to put on a number of events with local athletes so they can be recognised and send them to any activities that Paralympics host," Mrs Johnson said.
Both Mr Sigurdsson and Mrs Johnson agreed Manawatu can expect big things to come from the local Parafed.
For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering or becoming an athlete, contact Helen on 027 258 8558.