Harry Referees For Parafed For Fun

Harry Jackson has been volunteering as a referee for Parafed Bay of Plenty’s games of boccia for several years now.

Harry, 23, doesn’t have a disability himself, but he’s been a committed volunteer with Parafed BOP for several years. He’s grown up with a parent with a disability - his mum Jo has an arm missing and suffers from chronic pain syndrome - so he has a unique understanding of what it means to feel included in community life and sport.

Jo is Parafed BOP’s Play and Youth Lead, and Harry says she’s his inspiration. She takes programmes about disabled athletes into schools.

“She’s just an awesome person, and she’s the reason I got involved.”

He’s refereed games of boccia, a game like petanque or bowls, which is ideal for people playing with a disability. He’s also refereed badminton games, and is learning to become a coach. It’s quite a contrast to his full-time job as a butcher.

“Volunteering is something cool to do, and you meet some really awesome people. I do about an hour a week of refereeing badminton on a Thursday.”

Parafed Festival Coordinator Suzanne Morrison says Harry has a deep understanding of inclusion and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

“He’s volunteered at the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport and is a regular helper at Parafed’s Rotorua programmes, including boccia, badminton, tenpin bowling and the Amazing Race. His calm, friendly nature and willingness to pitch in make him a valued part of the team.”

Harry will be volunteering at the Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport next week on May 10 and 11 May at Baypark Arena. The Festival is a high-energy two-day event bringing together physically disabled athletes from throughout New Zealand, competing in multiple sports codes, including wheelchair rugby and basketball.

As well as the sports competitions, there will be have-a-go sessions with inclusive badminton, boccia, cricket and rugby league games. There are bowling, petanque and croquet "Tri Games" on Saturday at Club Mount Maunganui.

Sailability will be held on the water at Sulphur Point Marina, and there is an awards dinner on the Saturday night.

Anybody with a physical disability, including low vision and hearing impairments and their whānau, friends and supporters can come along, and the have-a-go sessions are fully inclusive for everyone to participate.

© Scoop Media