Breaking Barriers: Wellbeing Sport Day

2 April 2025

The Wellbeing Sport Day, hosted by Healthy Active Learning, College Sport Wellington, and Ko Taku Reo (Deaf Education New Zealand), was an absolute game changer. It brought together fun, fitness, and a whole lot of heart to make sports accessible and inclusive for tamariki and rangatahi with hearing impairments across Wellington! The aim? Simple: give these young people a chance to try out a variety of sports, make new friends, and experience the joy of being part of the sports community, no matter their background or ability. 

Thanks to the awesome collaboration between partners, including Wellington Rugby Football Union, Sense Rugby, Wellington Region Volleyball Association, Capital Basketball, Capital Football, Netball Wellington, and EasyMoves, tamariki had the chance to dive into sports they might not usually get to try. But this wasn’t just about playing games. It was about demonstrating the idea that sports are for everyone and proving that anyone can get in the game, no matter their abilities!

The day wasn’t just about playing; it was about creating a space where tamariki with hearing impairments could jump in, try new things, and feel totally included alongside their peers. Coaches and facilitators made sure everyone felt supported, understood, and engaged, using different ways of communicating so that no one was left behind. The day was full of laughter, high fives, and a whole lot of energy, with every sport showing how easy it can be to adapt and make sports fun for everyone.

Tamariki got to experience the true power of sports—confidence, teamwork, and a sense of pride in their abilities. Watching them light up as they learned new skills and cheered each other on was the heart and soul of the event. 

But this is just the beginning! The goal going forward is to keep giving young people with hearing impairments more chances to explore sports, grow their passion, and be part of inclusive sporting communities. The Wellbeing Sport Day showed everyone just how powerful, inclusive, and fun sports can be, and it’s only the start of an exciting journey where wellbeing and inclusivity are the ultimate winners.