Wright Family Foundation Specialist Schools Programme Builds Confidence Through Water
Wright Family Foundation Specialist Schools Programme Continues to Grow
For many disabled and neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi, the water can provide something truly special – a place where they can move freely, build confidence and experience a sense of achievement.
Through the Specialist Schools Programme, students across Aotearoa are being supported to develop their physical literacy, water confidence and enjoyment through regular, positive experiences in the water.
Made possible through the generous support of the Wright Family Foundation, the programme helps ensure disabled and neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi have greater access to swimming opportunities and the many physical, social and wellbeing benefits that being active in the water can provide.
Kylie Wright, Funding and Relationship Manager at the Wright Family Foundation, expressed the Foundation's pride in supporting this programme.
"We are incredibly proud to support this Swimming NZ kaupapa and, through the Specialist Schools Programme, play a part in giving tamariki and rangatahi the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and confidence that water can bring. Seeing the difference these experiences make to children and their whānau is incredibly special to us, and we feel very privileged to be part of it."
Established in 2022 by Swimming New Zealand, via the Sport NZ Disability Inclusion Fund, the programme helps better understand and support the physical literacy, water safety and therapeutic needs of disabled and neurodivergent students attending specialist schools and satellite classrooms throughout New Zealand.
While competitive swimming is an important pathway for many athletes, this programme focuses on something more fundamental – helping students develop a positive relationship with water, build confidence and enjoy being active in a safe and supportive environment.
As Kiwis, we are surrounded by water, and this is no different for disabled and neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi. The programme aims to ensure those who may experience barriers to participation have the same opportunities to learn essential water skills, develop confidence and build a lifelong connection with the water.
Creating positive experiences that last
The Wright Family Foundation Specialist Schools Programme takes a locally led approach, working alongside schools and communities to create experiences that meet the individual needs of students.
Success is measured not by results, but by the confidence students build in the water. For many, the buoyancy and warmth of the pool provide opportunities for movement, independence and achievement that aren't always possible on land.
"The water provides a place where he can be himself"
For families, the impact of the programme extends well beyond learning to swim.
One parent shared the difference swimming has made for their son who lives with autism and significant sensory and communication challenges.
"The water provides a calming environment that helps [my son] regulate his emotions, build physical strength, and connect with others in a way that is difficult in most classroom settings. His confidence in and out of the water has grown noticeably, and we've seen improvements in his focus, coordination, and willingness to try new things."
Teachers have also seen the programme's impact, noting the water provides opportunities for movement and exercise that many students cannot achieve on land while also supporting learning and wellbeing.
"Beyond physical and sensory benefits, swimming also encourages essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and turn-taking. Students celebrate small achievements, grow in independence, and develop a sense of accomplishment that carries into other areas of their school life."
Growing impact across specialist schools
The Wright Family Foundation Specialist Schools Programme continues the work supported through Swimming New Zealand's Sport New Zealand Disability Inclusion Funding received between 2022 and 2025.
Since then, the programme has continued to expand. Last year the programme delivered more than 250 sessions, funded 11 schools, and supported more than 140 students to experience the benefits of being active in the water.
The programme is proudly funded by the Wright Family Foundation, whose support has enabled Swimming New Zealand to continue building on the foundations created through previous disability inclusion funding while expanding opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi throughout Aotearoa.
Cameron Leslie PLY MNZM, Swimming New Zealand's Disability and Para Swimming Participation Manager, said the feedback from families and schools highlights the importance of creating these opportunities.
"It's easy to forget how important water is to our hauora, or wellbeing. The feedback we've received from parents and teachers shows just how meaningful these experiences have been for students. My thanks go to the Wright Family Foundation and everyone involved in helping create these opportunities and allowing more tamariki and rangatahi to build confidence and enjoy time in the water."
Looking ahead
Swimming New Zealand remains committed to improving access and opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent tamariki and rangatahi to engage with water in meaningful and positive ways.
By working alongside specialist schools, communities and partners, the Wright Family Foundation Specialist Schools Programme will continue helping students build confidence, develop physical literacy and foster a lifelong connection with water.
For many students, the greatest achievement is not a time on the clock or a result on the scoreboard – it is the confidence to enter the water, enjoy the experience and know they belong.
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