Weightlifting New Zealand is looking to develop an inclusive pathway to empower disabled people to participate and compete in weightlifting. To help us be as inclusive as possible, we want your help to inform and guide us towards the right participation model.

“By us, for us”

To begin, we are hosting an inclusive weightlifting open day for differently abled people. We invite you, the disabled community, to come and try weightlifting. You might already be lifting or doing some training of your own or even things like adaptive CrossFit.

What will the day look like?

• The day will be set up similarly to a weightlifting competition and we will have a range of different lifts for you to try with a wide range of adaptations and weight ranges. You will be able to cycle through each station and have a go or demonstrate to us how you lift.
• There will be two sessions - 12:30pm-1:45pm and 2pm-3:15pm.

Who will be there to support you?

• Representatives from Weightlifting New Zealand and Parafed Auckland will be there to facilitate the day, chat with you and assist. Coach Michael from Functional Adaptive Movement™, an adaptations specialist coach, will be attending, along with trainers from FAM and volunteers.
• We strongly encourage you to bring a friend or family member to support you on the day as well.

What will you get out of the open day?

By sharing your lived experience and lifting adaptations with us, you will be instrumental in helping to shape an inclusive pathway into the sport for many disabled New Zealanders. Your participation will also help us develop better ongoing support, inclusive events and resources for coaches.

What do we hope to get out of this day?

Our goal is first and foremost to create an inclusive, supportive environment where anyone can enjoy weightlifting. This day is the first step towards helping us create the pathway and resources to make this happen. It’s important to say that at this early stage we are focusing on participation. The open day will inform the development of an inclusive competition format.

Weightlifting Nationals are in November in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, and we hope the open day will allow us to refine a format for adaptive participation at Nationals.

Things to note:

• If you're not sure if this event is for you or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via the email: parasport.weightliftingnz@gmail.com
• We will some some lifting aids available but if you have your own please bring them along.
• The venue is accessible with accessible bathrooms.
• Water will be available but if you require anything further please bring it with you.
• There will be video and images captured on the day.
• At this stage, we are looking for people 18 and over, or 16 and over with a legal guardian.