It's not just about being a champion or a winner.

'It's about giving things a shot,” says Alexia Skipper-Jones, youth advocate for Parafed BOP, 'and about being supported to take that shot.

'It's about being given the opportunity to do what most students do at school.”

Parafed BOP's youth programme includes a range of young people with physical impairments, including loss of vision, cerebral palsy, club feet, loss of limbs, paralysis or muscle degeneration resulting in wheelchair or powerchair use.

They're all taking part in Aspiring Youth, which is part of the programme. 'The idea is regular activities and quality opportunities in a safe friendly environment,” says Alexia.

The Weekend Sun's photographer Nikki South caught up with the programme at Tauranga Domain, where the eight to 21-year-olds were training for upcoming regional cross-country events and next summer's athletics, such as shot-put, discus and club throwing – all with an emphasis on technique. 'The kids are awesome, polite and receptive,” says Alexia. 'And they give it their all.”

Previously, the group visited Aspire Gym in Bethlehem to trial the gym's facilities and activities.

The training lead to national and international disability-specific and inclusive events, such as the Halberg Games at King College in Auckland and AIMS Games in Tauranga - both of which further develop sporting opportunities for physically disabled people.

This month Parafed Bay of Plenty is looking forward to working with para sports available in the region, such as table tennis and badminton, and team sports such as CP and blind football in Te Puke and Rotorua during the next school holidays.

However, there are more kids out there that don't get these opportunities so parents and teachers are encouraged to contact Cherryl Thompson, Parafed BOP email: cherryl@parafedbop.co.nz or call: 027 7272 333.