NZCT Supports ParaFed Canterbury

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a $15k NZCT grant to ParaFed Canterbury to help deliver and grow a wide range of sport, recreation and support programmes for people with physical and visual impairments throughout Canterbury.

General Manager Ken Sowden says , “As a charity that provides sport and recreation opportunities for those with physical disabilities, we requested support from NZCT so our staff can complete essential work and focus on serving our community.”

ParaFed Canterbury delivers weekly activities including boccia, table tennis, shooting, athletics, swimming, wheelchair rugby and adaptive movement sessions. It also runs a Junior Sports Club for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–16, hosts hydrotherapy sessions, provides specialised sports wheelchairs, and supports participation in regional and national competitions.

The organisation also provides educational and practical sessions for more than 2,000 Canterbury school students each year, works with tertiary students preparing for careers in disability, recreation and sport, and recognises athletes, volunteers and supporters through its annual awards programme.

Participants in the Junior Sports Programme says, “We love the Junior Sports programme!! It suits us really well that it is held regularly, and that there is a such a huge variety of adapted/accessible sports and leisure opportunities that are included each year.”

Others add, “We thoroughly enjoy our Wednesday afternoons at Junior Sports, being part of the group and catching up with everyone. It is a good setup, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to attend.”

NZCT General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges says, “Every young person regardless of ability should be able to take part in and benefit from community sporting experiences. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming rooms.”