Blind Sport New Zealand was proud to be a part of the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport, powered by Parafed Bay of Plenty in March. Over one weekend, the Festival of Disability Sport brought people together from all over Aotearoa to celebrate and showcase disability sports in Tauranga.
Blind Sport NZ April update
Development Funding recipient Gary's summer of equestrian
Riding since he was eight years old, Gary Wiley regularly competes in both Para and able bodied equestrian dressage events. Gary is a recent recipient of Blind Sport New Zealand Development Funding, which supports him with coaching and competition fees. Read on to find out more about Gary’s summer of equestrian, and his plans for the future.
Athlete Spotlight: Fletch
Five years ago, Wellington based Fletch was diagnosed with keratoconus, which has caused his vision to deteriorate. Fletch, now aged 15, is involved in a range of sports, and has seen some outstanding success, including winning multiple medals at the Special Olympics. Read on to learn more about Fletch’s experiences of playing sport with a vision impairment.
Jiu jitsu with the Blind Grappler
Seven participants from all over Auckland met in Te Atatu South to have a go at jiu jitsu as part of our youth programme. The session was led by experienced athlete and coach Clinton Terry, who is also known as the “Blind Grappler”. The participants, who ranged from ages five to 12, got to learn lots of new jiu jitsu moves alongside Clinton.