A Para table tennis initiative designed to inspire the next generation of Para athletes in Whangārei has been hailed as a big success.
Funded by the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant has allowed Table Tennis Northland to organise more than 40 Para Play sessions at schools and further transition sessions at Northland Table Tennis Club.
Attracting more than 50 kids with a disability aged from five to 18, the sessions have enjoyed impressive engagement which will serve as a big boost for Para table tennis in the region.
The initiative was the brainchild of Table Tennis Northland Sport Development Officer Rishabh Kumar. While living in India, Rishabh coached Para athletes to an international standard and he understands the benefit of the sport for the disabled.
“I know how Para table tennis can inspire and give players confidence,” he explains. “Many disabled youngsters struggle to engage in sport, but Para table tennis is very inclusive and as we have seen with the numbers who have attended, it has proved very successful.”
Youngsters from Blomfield Special School, Manaia View School and Kamo Intermediate have engaged in the initiative with sessions continuing until mid-November.
A recent Para Play session at Northland Table Tennis Centre received a special boost with a visit from Paralympian #230 Matthew Britz. Having competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Britz shared valuable advice with the young participants before showcasing his impressive range of shots in a fun demonstration game against Kumar.
“It was great to see the kids were so engaged with Para table tennis,” explains Britz. “Playing the sport has given me so much confidence and so many incredible memories. Hopefully, some of the youngsters here in Whangārei will continue to pursue the sport in the future. It is so much fun.”
Kumar too hopes for a lasting legacy following the conclusion of the initiative.
“It was huge for us to receive funding from the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant, and we are very grateful,” he explains. “Our hope is that some of the kids will continue to play the sport in future and we can continue to work with them and develop their game.”
The Northland initiative is one of eight projects around the country sharing $73,000 in funding from the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant.
There were 28 grant applications in total. More than 1200 disabled New Zealanders, coaches, whānau, friends, volunteers and people new to Para sport expected to benefit from the successful projects across the country.
