Disabled sport needs a helping hand

New Zealanders would watch paralympic sport if there was more coverage, according to a poll, highlighting the underfunding of disabled athletes and sports teams.

Over 80 per cent of those surveyed said they would watch if it were made possible, according to a poll of 80 people conducted by Te Waha Nui over Facebook and Instagram.

More coverage needs more government funding, but the Paralympics received only 19% compared to 62 per cent for the Olympics, according to a 2021 Sport New Zealand study.

One of the disabled sporting bodies that are self-funded due to lack of help from the government is Whutuporo Riki Whaikaha O Aotearoa P.D.R.L (Physical Disability Rugby League New Zealand).

PDRL New Zealand Founder Sandra Hickey believes her organization should not be funding itself through fundraising events which sacrifice a lot of people’s time.

“There is such a need for more regular opportunities and funding for disabled sport”.

Sport New Zealand provides the only current funding for para-athletes through the ‘Disability Inclusion Fund’, but this fund only covers individuals and not entire teams.

The last Olympics received 62 per cent of sports coverage while the Paralympics received only 19 per cent a 2021 study from Sport New Zealand revealed.

This is important as over 80% of people believe coverage should be increased and that they would be more likely to watch if that was the case.

Social media user, Connor Hafoka, agrees that disabled athletes should receive equal funding to other athletes.

“With this year’s election fast approaching, political parties appear to have no focus on policies directed towards an increase in funding for disabled sport”.

The high percentage of responders in favour of equal funding for disabled athletes, proves that people believe something should be done by the government to boost paralympic sport involvement and coverage.