Physically disabled young people will have the chance to try surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding this month.
Registrations for the Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Water Sports Day, at the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club on February 27, are now open.
Otago/Southland disability sport adviser Bridget Meyer said the aim of the event was to expose physically disabled young people to a wide range of water sports.
‘‘We've got different partners coming along to run each sport. There are a lot of logistics involved in pulling it off but everyone is so keen to help it all come together,'' Ms Meyer said.
While there were opportunities for children to get involved in the water sports on their own, families needed to be proactive to make it happen, she said.
‘‘We're bringing it all together and families can come along. If their young person takes a liking to something, or is confident in the water, or they can see how the equipment is used - it means they can find out how to access it and set it up.''
The event was held for the first time last year and, apart from the weather, it went really well.
‘‘We had a really good turnout and some great partners on board. Unfortunately, as we're used to in Dunedin, the weather was not particularly kind. We ran the day at the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool.''
It was still a ‘‘neat day'' and people did not want to leave. It was supposed to finish at 2pm and was still going about 3.30pm, she said.
‘‘The great thing about water sports is that it does lend itself to disabled people participating alongside their able-bodied peers or friends and family. Being in the water you can make things work and play on a level playing field - it's really inclusive.
‘‘I would expect between 30 and 40 young people to take part. On top of that you have at least 10 volunteers for each discipline. Hopefully the weather is on board this year as well.''
• To register as a participant or volunteer for the Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Water Sports Day contact Bridget Meyer at bridget@halberg.co.nz or on 027 697-7177. For more information go to www.halbergallsports.co.nz.
