When the Supported Lifestyle Services (SLS) team took the plunge at Wellington’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge last Saturday, they weren’t just braving the icy water.
They were helping create more sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa New Zealand – and showing how disability support organisations can play an important role in building more inclusive communities.
Supported Lifestyle Services, a disability support provider with its head office in Manawatū, supports around 170 people through more than 120 staff across Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and surrounding regions. Their focus is supporting people with disabilities to live the lives they choose, connect with their communities and access the same opportunities as everyone else.
For co-owner Kerry, access to sport plays an important role in making that possible.
“We’re focused on helping people stay connected to their communities, with choice and control over their own lives.”
For Kerry, that’s what makes Special Olympics New Zealand’s programmes so valuable. They provide a welcoming environment where the people SLS supports can participate in sport, build friendships and experience the confidence and sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.
“There’s that whole peer support, belonging to a team. There’s lots of benefits.”
Leading by Example
For the SLS team, taking part in the Polar Plunge is a simple way to come together, support inclusion and help create more opportunities through sport. Every person who signs up, fundraises or donates helps more people experience the lifelong benefits that sport can bring.
For SLS, it’s also about leading by example.
Kerry believes disability support organisations have an important role in encouraging and challenging one another to continually create better opportunities for the people they support. That commitment extends beyond their own organisations, working collaboratively with others to help people with disabilities live full, connected lives.
“It’s around being part of the community, making sure we’re as inclusive as we can, collaborative with other services and supporting each other for the benefit of everybody out there with a disability, making sure they are out there living the best life they can.”
Everyone Can Play a Part
Co-owner Richard brought a touch of superhero spirit to Wellington’s Polar Plunge by arriving dressed as Batman. Behind the costume was a simple message for others in the sector and beyond: supporting inclusion can be fun, and everyone can play a part.
“It’s going to be freezing. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be for the benefit of Special Olympics… so go and do it.”
The SLS team has already taken the plunge. Now they’re encouraging other disability organisations, workplaces, sports clubs, community groups, families and whānau to do the same.
With Polar Plunge events still to come in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday 25 July, there’s still time to get involved.
Whether you register a team, take the plunge, support someone who is, or make a donation, every contribution helps create more sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Join us at 9am on Saturday 25 July at Takapuna Beach, Auckland, or New Brighton Beach, Christchurch, and help create more opportunities through sport.