Elvis Burning Love As community class trainer Natalie Spraggon helps the group burn calories with a circuit training session, a message blares over the speakers: “Get moving.”
“They manage it themselves, so I just jump in and help out,” she says. Hawke’s Bay today.
No one is left out and the circuit looks no different to those found in any old gym around New Zealand.
“We try to be as inclusive as possible – not only the daily living and fitness aspects but also the social benefits.”
The ultimate goal is to provide people with disabilities with the same fitness opportunities and experiences as people without disabilities, in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Gym owner turned founder Leena Becker said she felt there was definitely a need for this initiative in Hawke’s Bay.
“This is my passion project,” she said of Adaptive Wakauru Tahi.
“I identified a need for more inclusive exercise opportunities for people with disabilities in the Hawke’s Bay region. I know exercise improves quality of life in many ways.”
Becker used to run a gym and had a young client with Down’s syndrome who would often come in to train.
“We took her to a kids’ CrossFit competition and that’s where it all started. Speaking to her parents, we realized they wanted to give her the same opportunities that other kids get that often don’t because of her disability.
“For people without disabilities, there are lots of different options and different price ranges, but for people with disabilities, it’s not as simple.”
Wanting to achieve even greater results, Becker launched a pilot program with one trainer and six clients in 2022. The program has now run 23 sessions, with more than 130 participants each week.
She attributes the significant growth to increased demand for these types of services.
“Every session we do is different – there are lots of different options, like sensory dance, functional dance, seated dance – and we’re not tied to one location. If someone can’t come to a class in person, we go to them.”
Adaptive Whakauru Tahi is a registered charity and therefore relies on funding to continue providing its services.
“We’re fortunate to have received significant support from the Lottery this year and the continued support from Tu Manawa Sports Hawke’s Bay,” Mr Becker said.
“Hastings District Council and Trusthouse Foundation have also donated.”
Not only has the number of members in the organization increased, but it has also gained recognition on a national scale.
They were nominated for a Sport NZ award and were shortlisted in the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion category, beating NZ Rugby and Whanake o te Kōpara (the winners on the day).
“It was just an incredible experience, especially playing against such a big national organization,” Becker said.
But it’s seeing those smiles and accomplishments that really make her and her team proud.
“It’s rewarding to see people with disabilities thrive in community environments that weren’t specifically designed for them. The ripple effect is incredible.”
Mitchell Hageman joined Hawke’s Bay Today in January 2023. Based in Napier, he writes regularly about social issues, arts and culture and community – he has a particular love for stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.
