On Saturday April 5, Burnside High School hosted the Disability Sport Extravaganza in conjunction with Parafed Canterbury and the Halberg Foundation.
The event was aimed at young people aged 5-21 years who have physical disabilities including visual and hearing impairments. They had the opportunity to try an awesome combination of sporting events, including football, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, cricket and bowls. The event brought together over 30 families from across the region for a day of fun filled activities.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was the incredible range of sports and activities on offer, thoughtfully tailored to meet the varied needs of the participants. From team games to individual challenges, everyone had the chance to try something new and take part in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Events like this allow young people to explore new sports and spark new passions. These regular sessions help build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging—and we can’t wait to see them grow.
We would like to get a shout-out to the incredible year 13 students who volunteered their Saturday to help with this event. They played a vital role in fostering inclusion and empowerment.
The leaders showed immense kindness as they guided and supported the participants, creating an environment where every participant felt valued and supported.
It was great to see our senior students living our school values and we are immensely proud of their achievements, as noted by the large number of parents who reached out to say how impressed their were with these students.
Thank you for giving up your time and encouraging participants to try something new. Well done to Josh Lamont, Sabrina Alifya, Armaan Singh, Jo Chou, Tyler Thompson, Paul Gonzales, Daniel Strelestsky, Yathindra Kulathunga, Etaash Khokhar, Jarc Kenjie Tingal, Kelly Quilestino, Klark Pepito, Christian Bercasio, Harold Sarmiento and Jerson Remitar.
Seeing participants and their whānau challenge themselves, discover new skills, and reconnect with their community was a powerful reminder of why events like this matter. Roll on the 2026 event.
