dsport Manager Catriona McBean is recruiting research participants for her PhD research into disability sport. Catriona, through a University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship is looking into young people with physical impairments' engagement in sport and active recreation.

We’re not on the sideline, we are in the team

Researching Young People with Physical Impairments engagement in sport and active recreation

95,000 young New Zealander's identify as disabled.

According to Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ) disabled young people are under-represented in participation in sport and active recreation https://sportnz.org.nz/diversity-and-inclusion/disability/

During my time working and volunteering in the sector, I have observed disabled young people missing out, but I have also seen some fully engaged in sport and active recreation. Through hearing from these Young People with Physical Impairments (YPwI) who are active and engaged, I want to find out how more opportunities can be provided to get more disabled young people involved in sport and active recreation.

Put simply, the purpose of her research is to identify what positive factors influence YPwI’s participation in sport and active recreation in New Zealand. What gets them involved and what keeps them involved.

A bit about Catriona

Catriona McBean and is a PhD candidate at the University of Waikato and also works for dsport.  

She has worked and volunteered in sport and active recreation for over 35 years. Herroles in sport include leading Swimming NZ, Sport & Exercise Science NZ, and Orienteering NZ. In active recreation she has worked for Water Safety NZ and held volunteer roles in outdoor multisport events.

Over the last decade Catriona has been actively involved in disability sport, including being a Paralympics New Zealand board member and a volunteer for the International Paralympic Committee in Oceania. In 2018 she was a volunteer at the Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang and is hoping to be at the Tokyo games in 2021.

www.weareintheteam.com

Why is this research needed?

While there is lots of research about inclusion in schools there is little that identifies the factors that contribute to the successful engagement of those YPwI who do participate in clubs and teams.  

One of the objectives of this research is to provide some practical outcomes for those wanting to become involved in disability sport provision. By identifying these arrangements and practices, illustrative case studies of what enables successful engagement can be articulated to sports organisations, as well as assisting in the development of future Government initiatives. Perhaps it will help support a move from ‘disability sport’, to a true sport for all system.

Ultimately, it is hoped the number of YPwI engaged in sport and active recreation in the future will increase, their participation rates improve, and that their experiences are positive and rewarding.

Research scope

The scope of this study means Catriona only have the capacity to meet with 4 or 5 Young YPwI to hear directly from them about their experiences in sport and active recreation.

To ensure she gets a range of perspectives and experiences, Catriona has created a nomination questionnaire. The questionnaire is in 2 sections. The first about the YPwI. The second about their family/whānau. 

The aim is to include disabled young people who are of different ages and gender, have different impairments, come from different areas and participate in different sports and active recreation.

Catriona also wants to hear from family/whānau and coaches/group leaders. If the YPwI you nominate is selected, you will also be able to help with this research.

www.weareintheteam.com

How can you help?

There’s a number of ways you can help. If you are a:

• sporting/disability organisation, please forward this to your members/regions/clubs/teams/coaches and promote through your social media (pdf and jpeg files attached)
• family/whānau of a YPwI, talk to the YPwI in your household about this research. If they are interested in being part of this research or if you think they will be, please Nominate here www.weareintheteam.com
• coach/group leader who has a YPwI in our club/team/group, feel free to forward this information to family/whānau of the YPwI.
• friend or know a family with a YPwI who may be interested, please forward this information to family/whānau of the YPwI.

Nominations close Saturday 31 October

To find out  more about my research www.weareintheteam.com

Congratulations to Corran Hanning to has been named Athletics Wellington Para Athlete of the Year (2019/20).

Last year Corran's performances included

• NZ Secondary School Athletics Championships.  2 Golds + 1 Silver + 3 NZSSA records + 3 Athletics NZ National U17 F12 + 1 U20 F12 Para Athletics records
• NI Secondary Schools Athletics.  3 Golds + 3 NI records
• Wellington Sportsperson of the Year – Disabled Sportsperson Finalist
• College Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year – Disabled Athlete
• Hutt Valley Sportsperson of the Year – Disabled Sportsperson Finalist

Each year we have the pleasure of awarding our trophies in recognition of our members performances during the year the preceeding year.  This year due to Covid-19 we thought we would have to "present" the trophies online, but by delaying our AGM we were able to present these to most recipients in person.

Congratulations to all of our Award recipients

Wheelchair Rugby Cup - Chris Barry

This cup is awarded to the person who plays or helps at wheelchair rugby.  This person goes that extra bit further for themselves and the team outside of normal training etc, but usually goes unrecognised.        

Athletic Cup - Corran Hanning

For outstanding achievements in Athletic events.  Corran's achievements were:

• NZ Secondary School Athletics Championships.  2 Golds + 1 Silver + 3 NZSSA records + 3 National U17 F12 Para Athletics Records +1 National U20 F12 Para Athletics record
• North Island Secondary Schools Athletics.  3 Golds + 3 NI records.
• Wellington Sportsperson of the Year – Disabled Sportsperson Finalist
• Wellington College Sport Sportsperson of the Year – Disabled Athlete

Caltex Novice Trophy - Kate Olver 

Awarded to athlete from any sporting code. Kate's year included Silver and Bronze at the 2019 NZCAF National Schools Aerobics & Hip Hop Championships in Queenstown. 

Carlyle Trophy - Tina Kerr

Most input to the Association from non-committee member for coaching, mentoring and support. Tina is a Boccia ramp assistant for her son Jeffrey.

Boccia Cup - Hyran Daymond

Awarded for outstanding achievements in Boccia. This year Hyran won Gold in BC3 Pairs, and Bronze in BC3 National Championships. Hyran is ranked # 3 in BC3 in NZ.

Swimming Cup - Erin Knox

Awarded for outstanding achievements in Swimming.  Erin's achievements included 

• AIMS Games – 3 Golds + 3 Para records.
• Wellington Swimming Disabled Athlete of the Year
• Qualified for Swimming NZ Open Championships

President’s Trophy - Denise Harrison

The President names the recipient for this award each year. Denise has provided support for Boccia and is a member of dsport committee.

Parafed Wellington Trophy - Kate Horan

For outstanding sporting achievement and representing NZ internationally from any sporting code within our Association. Kate won Bronze at the 2019 UCI World Para Cycling Track Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.