Parafed on the lookout for new crop of athletes

With three medals won by Northlanders at the recent Paralympics Games, Parafed Northland is looking for the next generation of disabled sportspeople. The only challenge is finding them.

Parafed chairperson Vicki Meyer believes there are many talented Northlanders experiencing physical disability, but who are not yet involved in organised sport.

"Parafed Northland's whole purpose is to work with physically disabled Northlanders and enable them to be involved in sport and recreation.

"It doesn't matter whether their intention is to become a Paralympian or not - sport is done for enjoyment, good health and competition.

"What we need though, is to make sure our membership is strong so we can continue to produce Paralympians like Chris Sharp, Emma Foy and Cameron Leslie."

Meyer used Whangarei Rio Paralympic Games gold medallist Leslie as an example of Parafed's work after having been involved with him throughout his younger years.

She added Leslie never started out with the intention of winning gold and being a world record holder, but rather it was a flow-on from his life choices.

"Cameron started his swimming career with the Whangarei Amateur Swimming Club because of their acceptance of disability - which was a big thing back then, because attitudes have changed over the years thanks to the likes of the Paralympics," Meyer said.

"Part of Parafed's work is to, in some ways, connect the dots. We link with local clubs and schools to increase their capability to service our members - sometimes funding the education of coaches to be Para-sport inclusive."

Para-sport isn't one to discriminate against age either, with Leslie competing against a 59-year-old at the Paralympics just over two months ago.

Some specific wheelchair sports Parafed currently delivers are wheelchair basketball and powerchair football, while also catering to disabled-specific sports such as boccia - with goalball, a sport for the blind, also being on the radar.

However, Parafed is committed to opening doors to create new opportunities in various sports.

Kerikeri's Chris Sharp and Dargaville's Emma Foy - who won silver and bronze respectively at the Rio Paralympics - are, like Leslie, all Parafed Northland members.

To find out more about Parafed - or to join - go to www.parafednorthland.co.nz or search for them on Facebook.