Skate boarding has the potential to change a child’s life.

Recognising this, a pilot project run by Aroha Skate is underway in West Auckland providing skateboarding lessons for tamariki with disabilities.  Supported by Sport Waitākere, the pilot is being funded by Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa.

Students from Arohanui School and Specialist Outreach Service satellite classes (supporting students at Hobsonville Point, Bruce McLaren Intermediate and Te Atatū Intermediate) are the first to experience the skateboarding lessons at their own schools.

Arohanui School is dedicated to meeting the unique learning needs of students from 5-21 years in  West Auckland.  Deputy Principal, Mike Edwards, says skateboarding is a great way for people of all ages to get outdoors and build some new skills.

“Skateboarding has many benefits including better coordination, improved balance, increased metabolism, creative freedom and above all, it’s social,” explains Mike.  “This sort of activity builds tamariki’s confidence and encourages them to try new things. Without Tū Manawa funding this wouldn’t be possible.”

Head Coach at Aroha Skate, Felix Ashley Lamb, says skateboarding is a well-loved activity by today’s youth and it is wonderful that schools and communities are catering for their students’ skate needs.

“This new pilot programme is personally the most rewarding out of all the different groups we teach. To see the tamariki progress from being scared of the board to not wanting to stop is awesome.  With our help, students can flourish as skaters.”

Aroha Skate has worked with Halberg Foundation to develop the programme of 24 lessons and provide facilitator training, with the pilot running until the end of April.

The pilot is part of the Healthy Active Learning initiative which is a joint government initiative between Sport New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Education to improve the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi through heathy eating and drinking, and quality physical activity.

Oliver Wooding, Community Connector – Healthy Active Learning, says it is hoped that the successful pilot will be the beginning of new opportunities for these tamariki and rangatahi to get active and have fun.

“We are always looking for new ways to get students more active and the skateboarding pilot programme has been met with great approval from the students and teachers.  Skateboarding presents so many opportunities to build on skills and develop new ones.  It is exercise, it is creative and it is fun,” says Oliver.

Sport Waitākere is proud to be partnering with Aktive to manage Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa on behalf of Sport NZ in West Auckland.

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa provides funding for programmes or projects delivering play, active recreation and sport experiences for tamariki and rangatahi. The focus is on groups who are more at risk of missing out or being less active, including those living with a disability, in higher deprivation communities and girls and young women.

Article added: Friday 31 March 2023