Disability Swimming

WE DARE
Feb 2, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Aug 5

We're committed to providing equal opportunities for all New Zealander's to enjoy the freedom of being in the water. Learn more about our disability swimming programmes below

Swimming for Everyone

There is a grant available for those aged between 5 and 21 years, with physical or sensory impairments, through the Halberg Foundation’s Activity Fund. The Halberg Foundation is an organisation our Disability & Para Swimming Participation Manager works closely with to enable a transition and pathway from the learning to swim space into the regular swimming community.

Never Too Late to Learn

Learning to swim has a range of benefits such as improved health and fitness, but these benefits can be even more relevant to those with an impairment. Swimming is great for people of all ages and it is never too late to learn.

Fostering physical fitness and motor skill development;
Improving confidence and comfort in and around the water;
Relief from tight or painful joints and tendons.

Get Involved

Wright Family Foundation Specialist School Programme

We are proud to offer the Wright Family Foundation Specialist School Programme in New Zealand.

Programme Goal

To understand and cater to the physical literacy, water safety and therapeutic needs of disabled tamariki and rangatahi at Specialist Schools/satellite classrooms throughout New Zealand. To enable those with invisible impairments, to become increasingly active while enjoying recreational time in the water. As Kiwis we are surrounded by water, and this is no different for those living with an invisible disability. We want to support these, generally speaking, higher support need individuals to grow their physical literacy and begin a positive experience and relationship with water like anyone else.

Project Scope

Given we know those living with a disability are less likely to take part in the competitive elements of sport, the focus is on physical literacy and finding enjoyment in the water regularly and long term. We are seeking to improve the specialist school’s relationship building and physical literacy with water by enacting a locally-led approach. Making sure the physical literacy and positive experience is maintained long term will be the true success of this project. This project’s scope speaks to a desire to improve the frequency of specialist school interaction with water.

Programme Deliverables

Target of 120 deliveries across 10 schools per year
Reach a minimum of 120 students per year

Application Form

Camps for Youth with a Vision Impairment

Swimming NZ and Blind Sport NZ have been working together to deliver camps that focus on providing positive aquatic experiences for those living with a vision impairment between 8-24 years of age. These camps are all about improving swimming technique, building confidence and making new friends. We require those attending to be confident in the water.

Vision Impairment Multi-Sport Camp 2025

Location: Auckland

Dates: 31 October - 2 November

Disability Swimming Fund

Dive into new possibilities with Swimming NZ's Disability Swim Fund! Designed to empower individuals living with disabilities aged 6-24, this fund opens doors to the world of swimming. From adaptive equipment to specialised coaching, our aim is to make swimming accessible to all.

Please note that this requires funds to enable us to continue providing koha for upcoming rounds.

Application Form