Sport Hawke’s Bay has created a new role to improve sport and recreation opportunities for disabled people in the region. 

Katie Owen has been appointed to the role of Disability and Inclusion Advisor and has returned to the region after studying Physical Education at Otago University, followed by roles at both Sport Southland and Parafed Auckland.  

She says the role is her “dream job” both for the work she will be undertaking and that it’s also in her home region. 

“Everything has fallen into place and it’s fantastic that Sport Hawke’s Bay is leading the way with creating a role solely dedicated to disability and inclusion.” 

“I grew up supporting family friends with disabilities from a young age and it has always been something I’ve been passionate about.  I strongly believe sport, active recreation and play has the power to enrich lives, and it’s important that disabled people have the same opportunities to be involved in quality sporting experiences.” 

This month Sport New Zealand announced a $7 million investment aimed to improve the wellbeing of disabled New Zealanders by addressing inequalities in play, active recreation and sport. 

The initiative includes training to develop a workforce that understands the needs of children and young people with a range of impairments, advocacy for fit for purpose and accessible playgrounds and parks, and a more inclusive approach to strategy, policy and communication within Sport NZ and partner organisations. Sport New Zealand has also created a new role to lead delivery of the plan. 

Katie says Sport Hawke’s Bay had already made the decision to focus on disabled people in the community and to create opportunities for participation prior to the Sport New Zealand announcement. 

“We (Sport Hawke’s Bay) are leading the way and have a strong desire to improve the range and quality of sport, active recreation and play opportunities on offer for disabled people.”  

Katie says she is reviewing the Sport New Zealand Disability Plan and how it can be adopted in Hawke’s Bay, as well as getting a good understanding of regional sport clubs, disability organisations and schools and the opportunities they currently provide for disabled people. 

“It’s good timing that Sport New Zealand has released a plan which we can look at how we action here.  

We want to ensure disabled people throughout Hawke’s Bay can be just as active as non-disabled people.” 

Just over one million people in New Zealand, identify as being disabled, with just over half of these having more than one type of impairment.  

Sport NZ’s Active NZ data shows that disabled young people are less likely to participate in a range of sports and activities, particularly play related activities such as using playgrounds and scootering. 

Article added: Thursday 24 October 2019