This article outlines a range of community-based organisations - get involved!
JOLT DANCE
Founded in 2001 by artistic director Lyn Cotton, Jolt’s whānau currently comprises over 160 dancers with intellectual disabilities aged between 5 and 60+. Our inclusive teaching teamwork across 18 different weekly classes, nurturing the talents and building the skills of our dancers.
Jolt is the only company in Aotearoa to have created a dance teacher training programme for people with intellectual disabilities. Graduates from Jolt’s Move programme currently lead their own Jolt classes, and present zoom classes for people with complex needs that are unable to participate in on-site classes.
Find out more: joltdance.co.nz
LEARN ACTIVE
Learn Active is a registered charity that provides outdoor education opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, 15 years old and above.
Find out more: learnactive.co.nz
RECREATE NZ
Recreate NZ provides programmes across Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington & Christchurch for young people with disabilities. From cycling the Otago Rail Trail to a night out for dinner and a movie, we have something for everyone.
Find out more: recreate.org.nz
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED
Christchurch RDA is one of 56 similar groups that operate under the umbrella of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association.
At any given time we have up to 70 riders attending our sessions with ages ranging from 3 to 70 years.
Riding sessions are conducted five days a week and are facilitated by trained Coaches, with the assistance of up to 70 volunteers.
Find out more: chchrda.org.nz
SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANTERBURY
Special Olympics Canterbury provides sporting and social opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. We provide both training and competition up to international level for almost 300 athlete’s in over 10 different sports.
Find out more: specialolympicscanterbury.co.nz
STAR JAM
StarJam, a not-for-profit where young New Zealanders with disabilities unleash their full potential through the magic of music, dance and performance.
Our nationwide workshops, gigs and events connect our young people with disabilities (Jammers) with their passions, peers and wider community. Join us today and play your part in creating a New Zealand that celebrates the potential in everyone.
Find out more: starjam.org
SUNSHINE FOOTBALL
Sunshine Football was formally established in 2009 and is a programme that is managed by the Southwest Football Foundation Trust. It began with a small number of players and people passionate to get it up and running, and has grown since then.
The year-round programme, for children and young adults, is designed to provide footballing and regular exercise opportunities for players with developmental delays including those with Down Syndrome and Autism.
Find out more: facebook.com/sunshinefootballchristchurch
TIMA - Together It's More Achievable
TIMA run school holiday programmes and weekly basketball for small groups of participants aged 8-21 who have a disability.
Find out more: tima.nz
TRI RUGBY CANTERBURY
Unified Rugby enables people with Disabilities or Vulnerabilities to play together with mainstream rugby clubs.
NZs First Fully Disabled Rugby Team!
Find out more on their Facebook page
UPP CLUB
Welcome to Up Club! We are a safe,fun and friendly peer support group for children and youth who have Down Syndrome. Our programmes cater for young people with Down Syndrome from age 8 years and up.
Find out more: uppclub.org.n