The Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Discretionary Fund, with the purpose of increasing the participation of young people aged 12-18 in Para sport, is now closed for 2020. This Fund supports Paralympic New Zealand (PNZ) vision of ‘Excellence and Equity through Sport’ as it provides individuals and organisations with an opportunity to secure funding for Para sport related activities that these individuals and organisations have not been able to obtain from other sources.
PNZ had a great response this year, with 66 applications totalling over $212,000. This is a significant increase on the 23 applications received for last year’s fund. With $44,000 available for distribution this year, the selection panel aimed to achieve the greatest reach possible with the funds, providing 59 applicants with funding to help remove potential barriers to participation.
43% of funding contributed to equipment costs. Successful applicants received money towards a variety of equipment including racing wheelchairs, sprint blades, rugby wheelchairs, Para athletics and Para cycling equipment. 32% of the funding was allocated to the young people who had applied for help towards coaching costs and 25% went to support athletes to attend national Para sport competitions and the Halberg Games.
Many of the successful recipients have provided lovely feedback, thankful for the support towards their ongoing participation in Para sport. A number of the applicants are aiming to represent New Zealand at the Paralympic Games one day and it is exciting that this fund enables PNZ to help them with this journey.
The Young People aged 12-18 Para Sport Activation Fund will be open again in 2021, so ensure you keep your eyes out for further information from PNZ.
