Ngā Puna Wai is a place for everybody, a place of opportunity where people can feel safe and supported to try something new – and on Wednesday the 18th of November a group of very special individuals did just that.
 

Over 200 athletes from 12 different secondary schools came together at Ngā Puna Wai for the annual Special Olympics Canterbury Athletics Day Secondary Schools Event for students with intellectual disabilities.

This is the third year in a row that this event has been held at the facility since its 14-year history, something that the participants and supporters alike are grateful for.

“This facility is amazing, it’s first-class, and it’s two minutes away from our school – which is even more convenient. We come here every year for the Special Olympics and sometimes other events, it’s always fantastic and the kids have a great day,” says Jessica Grenfell teacher at Halswell Residential College.

The event provides students with the opportunity to participate in mainstream track and field athletics events as well as modified versions of traditional events such as the softball throw, 50m walk and a standing long jump. This caters for those students who perhaps are not as able physically as others. Wheelchair users are also able to participate with track and field events specifically designed to make sure they don’t miss out.

Graeme Bain, the Regional Sports Coordinator for Special Olympics New Zealand says, “The day is about participation, we present certificates right through to eighth place, but it’s really about our athletes giving it a go and doing the best they can do on the day. It also gives parents and grandparents the opportunity to see their children actually participating and perhaps getting a first place in something that they may not be able to do scholastically but they can certainly do physically at athletics.”

“This is an opportunity for athletes to get together, for teachers and teacher aids to get together just to have a great time and compete against each other in a friendly way.”

“This is a really cool opportunity for the kids at the school to compete in athletics events - it’s a really exciting day for them to get a bit of recognition for their abilities and experience an environment that doesn’t reinforce failure,” adds Jessica Grenfell.

The atmosphere was truly infectious, the students were just thrilled to be there, many taking out first place for the first time in their lives. There were smiles aplenty with supporters, helpers and teachers adding to this energy with words and claps of encouragement.

Taylor from Halswell Residential College, who competed in the 200m, 100m and the long jump reflects this notion saying, “I’m very excited to be here today, I’m really hoping we can all participate and do a really good job here. I’m also looking forward to supporting the other schools, I hope they do really well.”

Find more Ngā Puna Wai Events – https://ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/sports-grounds/nga-puna-wai/ 
 

Follow Sport Canterbury on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sportcanterburynz 
 

Article added: Friday 20 November 2020