Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson has awarded grants to 59 individuals and organisations to increase the
participation of young people in Para sport.
The focus of the Minister’s $44,000 Discretionary Fund is decided by each Minister of Sport and Recreation. For the last
two years it has been distributed in partnership with Paralympics NZ providing individuals and organisations with an
opportunity to secure funding for Para sport related activities that they have not been able to obtain from other
sources.
“Participating in sport is an important part of a Kiwi childhood, however, for some kids with disabilities and their
families the costs associated with Para sport are a real barrier to participating and competing,” Grant Robertson said.
“Almost half of the funds went to assist with attending competitions, covering a variety of equipment like racing and
rugby wheelchairs, sprint blades, and Para athletics and Para cycling equipment. The rest went towards to applications
for kids to help them reach their sporting goals, including help towards coaching costs and supporting athletes to
attend national Para sport competitions and the Halberg Games.
“Many of the successful applicants are aiming to represent New Zealand at the Paralympic Games one day and this fund
will help them with this journey,” Grant Robertson said.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Discretionary Fund distributes grants to young people aged 12 – 18 with an
impairment eligible for Para sport, or organisations supporting them who couldn’t otherwise obtain funding to fund
equipment, subscriptions, access to facilities, coaching, camps and associated fees.
The Fund will be open again in 2021. More information can be found here.