This innovative initiative was launched in Auckland in 2019 to mark 1 year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and proved a great success in taking Para sport experiences to the country.
The Para Sport Pop Up travelled around New Zealand in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, telling the story of New Zealand’s 50-year Paralympic history, increasing awareness of Para sport and positively influencing community perceptions of disabled people.
A custom-built container provided a great environment for educating Kiwis about Paralympic history and Para sport. Different ‘have a go’ Para sport activities were available with the Pop Up, including:
- Vertical jump test challenge: try and jump as high as a Paralympian
- Handcycle challenge
- Give Wheelchair basketball a go
- Blind football Virtual Reality experience
- Play a Boccia game
- Learn more about Para sport
- Meet with Paralympians, Para athletes or local Para sport stakeholders
- The chance to leave messages of support for the NZ Paralympic Team
Many school groups, families and interested locals visited, had a go and went on their way, knowing so much more about NZ Paralympians and the opportunities available with Para sport.
Read more about the launch of the Para Sport Pop Up here on this link.
The Para Sport pop up is proudly supported by:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Para Sport Pop Up and what was its purpose?
We launched the Para Sport Pop Up as an innovative initiative to bring Para sport experiences directly to communities across New Zealand. It was designed to tell the story of New Zealand’s 50-year Paralympic history, raise awareness of Para sport, and help positively change perceptions of disability.
Who could visit the Para Sport Pop Up and what did people learn from it?
The Para Sport Pop Up was open to school groups, families, and members of the public. Visitors learned more about Paralympic history, Para sport opportunities, and the achievements of New Zealand Paralympians, while also having the chance to meet athletes and leave messages of support for the NZ Paralympic Team.
What activities could visitors try at the Para Sport Pop Up?
Visitors could take part in a range of interactive “have a go” Para sport activities, including wheelchair basketball, handcycling, boccia, a blind football VR experience, and a vertical jump challenge. These activities helped people experience Para sport in an engaging and hands-on way.
