Get out and have a go

Boccia – a hybrid of petanque and bowls.

It's a chance for some special kids to get out and have a shot – try some sports they might not have experienced, possibly never even heard of.

It's ‘Have a Go Day' and it could be liberating and exciting for a lot of kids with physical or visual impairment.

'It'll be in an environment which is all about them,” says Leanne Flanders, Parafed Bay of Plenty Sport development officer. Parafed's a physical activity hub for people with physical disability, offering sport and recreation to people form starters through to paralympians.

'The ‘Have a Go Day' will be a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable to try things.” Some schools try to include these kids in events, however there is a difference between sports that are inclusive and sports exclusively for kids with disabilities,” says Leanne.

Like boccia – a cross between petanque and indoor bowls. To ensure an equal footing everyone is seated and competitors can bowl the ball, kick the ball or roll it down a ramp. A strategic game using a kitty like bowls.

There's badminton and athletics. And goalball – for the visually impaired. Everyone is blindfolded so no one is advantaged, or disadvantaged. There is a ball with bells and players use their bodies to block the ball from getting in the goal.

'All events are about sound or touch and goalball is about sound,” says Leanne.

Invitations to kids with physical and visual impairments have gone out to schools but the message may not have got to the right people. 'We don't want kids to miss the opportunity to have a go,” says Leanne.

‘Have a Go Day' is at Memorial Hall, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre in 11th Ave on Monday, August 28, 9.45am-1.50pm.

To register call Leanne on 027 7272 333 or email leanne@parafedbop.co.nz

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