Christchurch Netball has strengthened its commitment to inclusive sport, becoming the first Netball Centre in Aotearoa to affiliate with Special Olympics New Zealand.

The national partnership between Special Olympics New Zealand and Netball New Zealand is focused on creating more inclusive opportunities within netball, and Christchurch Netball is proud to be the first Centre to take this next step.

The affiliation builds on Christchurch Netball’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities to be active, connected and part of a sporting community.

No Limits Netball is Christchurch Netball’s already popular, highly accessible modified netball programme for athletes of all abilities.

No Limits focuses on developing physical skills and confidence through fun, inclusive netball activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Sessions are open to people of all ages, abilities and disabilities, with participants able to join on Wednesday and/or Sunday mornings during the school term.

Christchurch Netball General Manager Angela Pryor says becoming an Affiliate Partner is an important next step in strengthening the Centre’s approach to inclusion.

“We want Christchurch Netball to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong and experience everything that being part of sport can offer.

“This partnership strengthens the work already happening through No Limits and gives us the opportunity to further develop our inclusive offerings and create even more positive experiences for our community.

“We’re proud to be the first Netball Centre to affiliate and look forward to working alongside Special Olympics New Zealand to continue growing inclusive opportunities through our game.”

Special Olympics New Zealand Partnership and Sports Manager Mitchell Rhodes says the affiliation is an exciting step in bringing inclusive netball opportunities to life at a community level.

“We’re really excited to welcome Christchurch Netball as our first affiliated Netball Centre. It’s a fantastic step in bringing our partnership with Netball New Zealand to life at a community level and creating more opportunities for athletes to experience netball in an inclusive and supportive environment.

“No Limits Netball already provides a strong foundation in Christchurch, and we’re looking forward to working alongside the Centre to further develop these opportunities and help more athletes enjoy, participate and belong through sport.”

The affiliation also supports pathways for participants who may wish to progress into Special Olympics club and competition opportunities, while continuing to focus on positive experiences, skill development and meaningful involvement.

For Christchurch Netball, it is another step towards ensuring more people across Ōtautahi can participate, connect and belong through netball.

No Limits Netball runs every Wednesday and Sunday during term time, from 11:00am–12:00pm at the Netball Sports Centre, 21 Augustine Drive, Wigram, for $3 per session.

For more information about No Limits Netball: https://www.netballchristchurch.org.nz/programmes/no-limits-netball-2

Article added: Monday 07 September 2026