Rototuna disability day draws more than 450 people to try Para sport

More than 450 participants and their whānau tried Para and adaptive sports at a disability day in Rototuna on Saturday 10 October.

Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre Trust, which runs the venue, and Parafed Waikato received funding for the day-long event from a Paralympics New Zealand grant. The Waikato project is one of eight around the country sharing $73,000 from the grant.

Parafed Waikato Sport Development Officer Cathy Wooller said the day went beyond what the group expected. People were engaged, and many stayed for the whole day.

Visitors could try Boccia, Wheelchair basketball, Wheelchair rugby and Para badminton. Other adaptive sports on offer were ju-jitsu, pickleball, powerchair football, wheelchair rugby league, and adaptive trikes and bikes.

Wooller said the ju-jitsu session showed her that disabled people want to be involved in sport, just as non-disabled people are. She added that some participants signed up to keep competing in other sports, which should help Para sport grow in Waikato.

The day aimed to encourage inclusive participation, whānau involvement, and education and awareness of Para sport. Wooller described the focus on the whole family as the key to the day, with parents using the time to chat and make social connections.

Paralympian #229 Devon Briggs took part in several Para sports and showed the Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals he won at Glasgow 2026.

There were 28 applications for the grant. More than 1200 disabled New Zealanders, coaches, whānau, friends, volunteers and people new to Para sport are expected to benefit from the eight projects that were funded.