DISABILITY AND

PARA SWIMMING

DISABILITY SWIMMING

Swimming is for Everyone

Swimming is a life skill, no matter your ability or whether you live with a disability or impairment. At HBPB Swimming, we believe swimming should be accessible to everyone, and we want to see more people in the water, more often.

There are many ways to get involved — from recreational swimming to club and competitive programs. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability. Those with a disability can start swimming or even begin the journey toward competitive swimming without needing to be classified in the disability swimming space.

HBPB Swimming, in partnership with Swimming New Zealand and Disability Sport Hawke’s Bay, run Disability Clinics and Meets at least once a year, in Hawke’s Bay,. Our Gisborne clubs also offer opportunities. You don’t necessarily need to be a club member or already involved in swimming — everyone is welcome, whatever your skill level.

Swimming New Zealand also offers a Disability Fund to help reduce barriers to participation and connect local expertise with participants and their swim schools, ensuring a positive aquatic experience from the start. This funding is available for anyone aged 6–24 years.

For more information, contact:

  • Sue Hewitt – swimhbpb@gmail.com

  • Cameron Leslie, Swimming NZ – Cameron@swimming.org.nz

PARA SWIMMING

SNZ is proud to offer many opportunities for para swimming across the country, from club, regional and national level, as well as internationa; pathway. Para swimming is part of national meets and swimmers race using the Multi-Class system.

Classification is required and information - contact Cameron Leslie at SNZ - cameron@swimming.org.nz to learn more or link o the further information provided on this page.

S14 Athlete Lance Dustow from Greendale at the Virtus Games

Guy Harrison (S8 Athlete) from Sundevils nominated for Disabled Sportsperson of the Year 2022 Sport HB Awards