Aotearoa Adaptive Archery

More About AAA

For Who and Why

Who?

Children, youths and adults who have been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairments such as autism, down syndrome etc., as well as physical disabilities. AAA also conducts one-on-one or small group coaching sessions for children, youths, and adults, as well as community groups.

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Age range?

Must be at least 10 years and above.

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Physical capabilities?

AAA can adapt to those with specific physical requirements.

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Why?

There are many biases and discriminations against those with disabilities in society, and this is also true in sports. However, based on personal and professional experiences, with the proper initial assessment, strong support from coaches and caregivers, repeated training, and suitable environment for the individual (for example, not having the sessions at locations where there can be sensory overloads for those with sensory issues), AAA believes in enabling every individual to participate in archery.

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To date, the only New Zealander archer with a disability who has gone on to compete at the regional and world level was Neroli Fairhall. “Neroli Fairhall won a gold medal in archery at the Paralympics in the Netherlands in 1980. She also competed in athletics at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics, and in archery in the 1988 Seoul Paralympics and 2000 Sydney Paralympics. She defeated able-bodied archers at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. At Los Angeles in 1984, Fairhall became the first paraplegic athlete to compete at an Olympic Games. (Link: https://teara.govt.nz/en/disabled-sport/print).”

AAA's long-term goal is to change this statistic and push for New Zealand to send an archer (or a few) to the Special Olympics and Paralympics. At the very least, it will increase awareness and understanding of those with Special Abilities.