Our tamariki had FUN on Thursday with Jo Jackson from Parafed BOP, and are looking forward to their next 3 sessions.

Parafed BOP is a not for profit organisation that enables sport, recreation and play opportunities for all ages with a physical impairment.

 It is an organisation dear to my heart and one which I have been involved with and advocated for the past few years.

Jo Jackson is the coach force development officer, based in Rotorua and has been developing FLIPA (Fun learning through inclusive Play advocates) programme.

As well as providing more play opportunities for children with disabilities, FLIPA provides an opportunity to raise awareness amongst all participating tamariki and develop their confidence to play with children with disabilities as it challenges participants' to think about how they may adapt their play. 

Jo is also a very decorated Para Equestrian athlete, who competed for Great Britain Internationally riding in three world para championships, as well as 2 paralympics, winning 6 gold medals in total. 

In NZ Jo competed in Para dressage, and able bodied dressage, but has since retired from riding, and gives back as a competition Judge.