Walking football and walking rugby are on the agenda in Wairarapa this week when athlete and disability rights activist Neelu Jennings arrives to promote the sports.
These adapted versions of mainstream sports are designed to ensure all people can play, regardless of their ability.
Jennings will speak about the two new integrated sports on Thursday at YMCA Masterton in a free lunchtime event hosted by Nuku Ora [formerly Sport Wellington].
It follows a recent trial of walking rugby and walking football in conjunction with Wellington Rugby Football Union and Capital Football.
Increasing participation in sports is a topic close to Jennings’ heart.
Legally blind since her teens, Jennings counts kayaking the Cook Strait and climbing Mount Aspiring and Mount Kilimanjaro among her achievements.
Event organiser Celia Wade-Brown said Jennings is a fantastic, living example of more inclusion in sport.
“She’ll be talking about her experiences and the concept of walking football and rugby, and also the general idea of more inclusion in sport,” Wade-Brown said.
The event is being held at 12.30-1.30pm at YMCA Masterton on Thursday.
It is free, open to all, and people can bring their lunch if they wish.
