Strengthening inclusive play through collaboration

Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty are strategically aligned in their mission to enhance opportunities for inclusive play and physical activity across our communities. By working together, both organisations aim to break down barriers to participation and foster equitable access to physical activity opportunities for everyone, with a particular focus on tamariki with disabilities.

Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty’s collaboration is built on the belief that physical activity benefits everyone. A key part of Sport Bay of Plenty’s mahi is to reduce barriers and build sector capability to ensure that all individuals—regardless of ability—have access to meaningful play experiences. Through this partnership, the two organisations are focused on improving the accessibility and inclusivity of play and physical activity in our region, ensuring that tamariki with disabilities can fully participate in and enjoy the benefits of play.

As part of this mission, the collaboration has led to several initiatives designed to empower schools, teachers, and communities to create inclusive play environments where children with disabilities can thrive.

Jo Jackson, Parafed Bay of Plenty’s Play and Youth Lead, is an expert in accessible physical activity opportunities. Jo brings her extensive knowledge and experience to the play space as a member of the Play Champions Network, a group of professionals and advocates dedicated to improving play for all children, regardless of ability. Jo has shared her expertise at several national sector hui, where she has highlighted the importance of inclusive physical activity opportunities and the role of schools and community groups in fostering an inclusive play culture.

Working closely with Steph Reichardt, Sport Bay of Plenty’s Bay of Plenty Regional Play System Lead, Jo has helped to improve professional development opportunities that support teachers and activity providers in creating inclusive environments. With their combined skills and expertise, they have developed and launched programs such as FLIPA and Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) programme to make inclusive play more accessible in schools and beyond.

The FLIPA programme, Fun Learning through Inclusive Play Advocates, is an innovative, four-week in-school program designed to enrich the play experiences of tamariki with disabilities, fostering an inclusive play culture within educational settings. FLIPA helps to raise awareness about inclusive play and provides schools with the tools they need to support all students, regardless of their abilities.

The PALs programme, which is also part of the partnership, equips young leaders in Bay of Plenty schools with the skills to create inclusive play environments using the STEP model (Space, Task, Equipment, and People). This model helps students design adaptable play activities that engage all participants, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can join in.

Together, these programs are making a tangible difference by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of play, no matter their physical abilities.

In addition to these programs, Parafed Bay of Plenty and Sport Bay of Plenty’s partnership has also created opportunities for professional development through their Community of Practice initiative. Recently, the two organisations hosted sessions in their play community of practice, benefiting over 20 schools. The sessions provided a space for educators and play providers to share insights on adapted play equipment and learn how to effectively implement inclusive programs like FLIPA. These shared learning experiences help build sector capability and foster a more inclusive and accessible play culture in schools.

In April, Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a more intentional partnership aimed at improving physical activity participation opportunities for people with disabilities. The MOU outlines several areas of collaboration, including:

• Facilitating engagement between the two organisations to enhance regional opportunities for inclusive play.
• Collaborating towards shared strategic goals that align with both Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty’s objectives.
• Monitoring and measuring the impact of the partnership on community participation.
• Sharing insights and data to inform decision-making, particularly when advocating to local councils to ensure that accessibility is considered from the ground up.

A growing opportunity under the MOU is to gather more insights on the experiences of tamariki with disabilities—directly from them. By improving the insights we have from children with disabilities and their whānau, Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty can more effectively advocate to and collaborate with local councils to create physical activity spaces, places, and opportunities that reflect the needs of the entire community.

As Jo highlights, “By working together, we can truly enhance the way play is experienced by all children, regardless of their abilities.”

Both Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty believe that fostering inclusive environments is not just important but essential for the wellbeing of all children. Inclusive play offers opportunities for social connection, physical activity, and personal growth, all of which are crucial for developing a sense of belonging and community.

Steph Reichardt also notes, “Our collaboration with Parafed is vital for creating an environment where all children can thrive through play. We are committed to making inclusive play not just a concept, but a lived reality in our schools.”

Through their partnership, Sport Bay of Plenty and Parafed Bay of Plenty are committed to ensuring that every child in the Bay of Plenty has access to inclusive play and physical activity opportunities. By continuing to work together and listen to the voices of those with disabilities and their families, they are making significant strides in creating a more equitable and inclusive community for all.