Amy Sutton has always loved being part of the action. Raised on a family farm and later a citrus orchard in Gisborne alongside her two brothers, she spent her childhood outdoors - walking dogs, feeding animals, joining in games, and embracing every opportunity to have a go.
Now 34, Amy lives at Hohepa Hawke's Bay after moving there when she was 20 and just finishing school. Amy says she was lucky to be welcomed into the Hohepa community and is very happy there, “living my best life”.
Growing up with a disability
Amy lives with global developmental delay and experiences both physical and intellectual challenges, including gross motor difficulties and being largely non-verbal. Despite this, she says people have always accepted her for who she is and she has never let her challenges hold her back.
Her family says Amy was identified as having “a Syndrome” at birth, and they were told she was ‘physically disabled’ at about six weeks old. As time passed, it became obvious that Amy’s special needs resulted in global developmental delay across all areas of her life.
Growing up, Amy was always treated just like her brothers as much as possible, with her family supporting her to participate fully in life rather than limiting what she could achieve. They worked hard to ensure Amy was included in mainstream schooling wherever possible and encouraged her to be active within the community alongside her brothers and peers.
“We have always fought hard not to put a ceiling on what Amy could achieve,” her family shared.
All diagnoses bring challenges, and as Amy’s family admits, there can also be grief as you come to understand your child’s unique needs and differences. But from the beginning, they chose to focus not on what Amy may not be able to do, but on supporting her strengths, celebrating every achievement, and adapting opportunities so she could participate and succeed alongside others.
“Celebrate their achievements, however small these may seem to others,” they shared. “They are huge for you and your child. We all need wins in our lives, no matter how little.”
Discovering a love of sport
Amy’s love of being active naturally carried her into sport and recreation. She especially values opportunities that make sport accessible and allow her to participate in activities she may not otherwise have had the chance to experience.
Sport has also helped her build friendships, stay physically active, and remain mentally stimulated over the years.
“Sport is a great medium for meeting other similarly minded people,” she says.
Through Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke's Bay (DSRHB), Amy discovered Boccia in 2023 and has been playing regularly ever since. She also attends other opportunities DSRHB offers like 10 Pin Bowling, and annual member celebrations.
“I absolutely love taking part in Boccia and really appreciate opportunities that facilitate my participation in the community,” Amy says.
One of Amy’s proudest sporting moments so far has been representing Hawke’s Bay in a DSRHB Boccia tournament in Palmerston North in 2024.
Her family says opportunities through DSRHB have had a huge impact on Amy’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
“We love to see Amy having a go at existing or new sports and activities,” they shared. “Physical wellbeing is very closely linked to people’s mental health and happiness.”
Amy’s family says the chance for her to gain new skills, reinforce existing ones, and interact with others in an accepting environment has been incredibly valuable.
The team at Hohepa say Amy loved Boccia from day one. With her naturally outgoing and social personality, she thrives in activities where she can experience a sense of belonging, build friendships, and be part of a team. They say Amy is always supportive and encouraging of others and loves celebrating alongside her teammates.
Boccia has also helped Amy continue developing her motor skills and control, while reinforcing important skills such as concentration, patience, and taking turns. Learning new skills keeps her mentally active and gives her a strong sense of confidence and achievement.
“One of the loveliest things is seeing Amy come home from Boccia feeling so proud of herself,” they shared.
Looking to the future
Amy hopes to continue reaching her full potential and remain active and connected within the community. With her naturally social personality, she says she loves people and makes friends wherever she goes.
She would also love the opportunity to continue improving her sporting skills and one day become an athlete at the Special Olympics New Zealand.
Her advice to other young people with disabilities wanting to get involved in sport is simple:
“Have a go. You won’t know if you can do it or not unless you have a go, and it’s fun and you will make friends.”
Amy believes there needs to be more opportunities across a wider range of sports to help make sport more accessible for disabled people in New Zealand.
Her story is a reminder of the power of inclusion, encouragement, and simply being given the opportunity to participate.