In March 2023 Central Football in conjunction with Special Olympics New Zealand delivered a three week futsal programme to Whanganui Girls and Whanganui High. The programme culminated with a Futsal Festival on Friday 24 March 2023 where all participants received a medal. In total 17 students participated over the three weeks with Player of the Day and Most Enthusiastic Player Certificates awarded over the programme along with an array of prizes courtesy of New Zealand Football. 

Whanganui Community Development Officer Matt Calvert is already looking forward to the next programme; " It has been a fantastic program to be involved with. A big thank you to both Girls College and Whanganui High School staff for their help and support. Even bigger thank you to the kids.  As a facilitator I can't think of the last time I enjoyed running a program as much as this one. I can't wait for the next event!"

John McGifford, Central Football’s Special Projects Manager said “The Whanganui event was the fourth Special Olympics Programme the Federation has run over the last few months, with similar events held in Tairāwhiti, Manawatū and Taranaki - and Whanganui of course. Unfortunately due to Cyclone Gabrielle the event planned for Hawke’s Bay was abandoned however it will be held later in the year. In total there have been 131 participants and around 30 teachers and support staff involved with the four events run and we really look forward to growing the programme in the future. Our thanks go out to all the schools involved, also to the various schools and venue owners for making their facilities available at low or no cost and the RST’s that have been involved. And a big shout out to the New Zealand Football Foundation and New Zealand Football for their generous support as well”.       

Article added: Wednesday 26 April 2023