Games Info
The South Island Independence Games is a high quality sports event for young people with disabilities.
The Games offers young athletes aged between 8 and 17 years the opportunity to challenge themselves and compete with their peers in a variety athletics, swimming, team triathlon and boccia events.
Since it began in 1990 the Games has been providing incredible sporting experiences for young athletes, and is now the largest annual sports event for young people with disabilities in New Zealand.
The Games is not a ‘one off’ event, but part of a pathway for young people with disabilities to get involved and compete in sport. The event has changed the lives of many young athletes who have developed greater self belief and self esteem as a direct result of their Games experiences. For some athletes the Games can be a stepping stone to ParaFed and the Paralympics.
Athletes take part in the Games by joining one of the eight regional Independence Games teams based around the South Island. The athletes train and fundraise together individually and as a team, then travel to compete against other regional teams at the event.
A number of organisations play a part in making the Games happen each year. CCS Disability Action is the driving force behind the event, with ParaFed Canterbury coordinating sports activities and Eventsmith Ltd most other aspects of the Games. Each regional team is lead by a Regional Team Manager (usually a parent volunteer) who liaises with athletes, parents and volunteers for the team and coordinates training activities.
You can enter now, or for more information, contact your Regional Team Manager
or the Games Organisers.
To find out more about the North Island event click here.
Since it began in 1990 the Games has been providing incredible sporting experiences for young athletes, and is now the largest annual sports event for young people with disabilities in New Zealand.
The Games is not a ‘one off’ event, but part of a pathway for young people with disabilities to get involved and compete in sport. The event has changed the lives of many young athletes who have developed greater self belief and self esteem as a direct result of their Games experiences. For some athletes the Games can be a stepping stone to ParaFed and the Paralympics.
Athletes take part in the Games by joining one of the eight regional Independence Games teams based around the South Island. The athletes train and fundraise together individually and as a team, then travel to compete against other regional teams at the event.
A number of organisations play a part in making the Games happen each year. CCS Disability Action is the driving force behind the event, with ParaFed Canterbury coordinating sports activities and Eventsmith Ltd most other aspects of the Games. Each regional team is lead by a Regional Team Manager (usually a parent volunteer) who liaises with athletes, parents and volunteers for the team and coordinates training activities.
You can enter now, or for more information, contact your Regional Team Manager
or the Games Organisers.
To find out more about the North Island event click here.
Games Mission
It’s threefold...
- INSPIRE- young people with disabilities to achieve more than what they thought possible.
- CHALLENGE - perceptions young people with disabilities may have of themselves and the perceptions of others about young people with disabilities.
- GROW - strong, confident and happy young people – disability in this instance is irrelevant.
