Walking Touch Rugby, a new sporting initiative being piloted in Lower Hutt, could have tremendous impact on recreational opportunities in New Zealand’s disabled community.
The process is designed to slow down our national game alongside running soccer so Kiwis with and without disabilities can play together.
“The entire format of the games is designed so that everyone can play together. It’s about a community that includes disabled or able-bodied people, anyone who doesn’t feel they belong in a social sports space,” said organizer Neelu Jennings.
Jennings is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of the sport.
She scaled Mount Aspiring and Kilimanjaro, kayaked the Cook Strait and is the first legally blind person to complete the Coast to Coast.
She believes that disability-only categories aren’t really inclusive, and she wants opportunities alongside non-disabled people.
“I didn’t understand why we had so little choice about what disabled people can and can’t do in sport,” she said.
Attendee Stephen Ben-Cummings said the initiative “will mean a lot”.
“It’s just good to be active,” he added.
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