All 13 transition students have been involved in a Rangatahi leadership programme as a build up to this event, which evolved from the CLM Future Leaders Forum they attended in 2024. One of BLENZ former students Kyren Andrew, who led the first Rangatahi Leadership programme has been part of the Counties Manukau Rangatahi Leadership Council supported by CLM Community Sport.

With support from CLM Community Support Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Maia Lewis & Blind Sport NZ, the transition students ran the Homai sports day. The students led a wide range of activities, including Goalball, Snag Golf, Bocce, Boxfit, and Hungerball.

Second-year transition student Nikita, who served as a mentor this year after being the event lead in 2023, said her favourite part of the day was seeing wheelchair users fully engaged and smiling throughout the activities. “I’m so proud of them,” she said.

Event lead Holly, also in her second year, highlighted the inclusiveness of the day. “Everyone could join in despite their different disabilities,” she said, adding that Boxfit was her favourite activity.

Transition student, Amy, facilitated the athletics sessions and enjoyed seeing how easily activities could be adapted for wheelchair participants. Amy is also a member of the Halberg Foundation Youth Council and first became involved after competing as a sprinter at the Halberg Games. She has since supported the Halberg Awards, met with government ministers and Sport NZ representatives to elevate the voices of rangatahi, and recently completed 5km of the Auckland Marathon with the Achilles NZ South Auckland Chapter, running alongside her guide to navigate the crowd.

First-year transition student, Kohl, from Dunedin shared highlights from recent BLENNZ activities. He described Sports Day as a unifying event filled with laughter, great weather, and strong participation from everyone. While leading BoxFit, he enjoyed the challenge of explaining exercises clearly to younger students and felt proud stepping into a leadership role with RTV support. Kohl also completed the Auckland Marathon—something they hadn’t thought possible—and learned the value of consistent training after signing up on a whim and preparing with only a month to spare.