Driven by Possibility: Astella's Journey Through Adaptive Sport
Meet Astella
At 20 years old, Astella is embracing new opportunities and looking ahead to an exciting future.
Having used a powerchair her whole life, she recently completed a course in Media and Design and is now preparing to study Business Studies. She's also celebrating another exciting milestone - learning to drive after receiving a modified vehicle. "I'm super excited," she says.
Discovering adaptive sport
For Astella, getting involved with Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke's Bay (DSRHB) and Halberg has opened the door to a whole new world.
She says the greatest part of being involved in sport isn't just the activities themselves, but the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that come with them.
"The thing I enjoy most about being involved in sport is the sense of belonging and community," she says. "It's been awesome realising just how many adapted sports there are."
Through DSRHB and Halberg, Astella has met new people, built lasting friendships and discovered confidence she didn't know she had.
Saying yes to new experiences
One of Astella's proudest achievements was travelling to the South Island to attend the Halberg Leadership Camp.
Meeting other young people there gave her the confidence to take part in the Halberg Games for the first time, where she experienced wheelchair football and rock climbing.
More recently, she also took part in DSRHB's adaptive surfing day at Waimarama - another first that she's incredibly proud of.
Each new experience has reinforced that trying something different can lead to opportunities she never imagined.
Encouraging others to have a go
Astella's advice for other young disabled people is simple.
"Be open-minded and give something a go."
She says joining DSRHB and Halberg has been one of the best decisions she's made and encourages others to take the opportunity, even if they've never played sport before.
"You never know where it could lead."
Looking to the future for inclusive sport
Astella believes there is still more work to do to make sport truly inclusive across New Zealand.
She would love to see more community programmes helping schools better include disabled students in sport alongside their peers, creating more opportunities for young people to participate from an early age.
A family's perspective
Astella's family says discovering DSRHB and Halberg has been incredibly rewarding.
Learning how these organisations support disabled people and their whānau to participate in sport has shown them that sport is possible when opportunities are adapted to be inclusive.
They say the support, education and welcoming environment have helped make adaptive sport more accessible while connecting their family with others who understand their journey.
Most of all, they treasure seeing Astella included, growing in confidence and forming meaningful friendships through sport.
