A proud family moment: Samantha McChesney and DJ with his grandparents at the AIMS Games

For Samantha McChesney, the day was emotional in a way she never expected.

Her son, DJ from Tauranga Special School, is non-verbal and autistic. He first discovered table tennis through at a School Have-A-Go Day and quickly developed a love for the sport.

In the week leading up to the event, Samantha noticed just how excited he was.

"He's been typing 'table tennis' on his iPad all week."

Samantha works long days while DJ is often cared for by his grandparents. To be at the AIMS Games, she took time away from work so she could watch him compete.  DJ's dad, Duane, was disappointed to miss the day due to work commitments and would have loved to be there to see DJ in action.

As she sat courtside, there were moments when words were hard to find.

"This is the first time I've ever watched him play sport."

For many parents, watching their child compete is something they may take for granted. For Samantha, it was a milestone she had waited years to experience.

Stories like DJ's were at the heart of this year's competition.

Lilah Kidd and her mum, Verity, at the AIMS Games table tennis competition

 

One of the first athletes to arrive was Lilah Kidd from Bethlehem College.

Lilah, who has dwarfism, arrived early with her mum, Verity, eager to make the most of the day. Before the competition began, she had the opportunity to warm up with Para table tennis coach Mark Page.

For Lilah's family, reaching this moment had taken determination. Last year, her dad contacted organisers to ask how she could be part of the AIMS Games. One year later, she was not only competing in table tennis but also swimming, where she finished third in freestyle and fourth in breaststroke.

For Verity, the biggest reward was not the results.

"It's so nice to be part of the community."

It was a simple comment, but one that reflected what many families were feeling throughout the day. More than a competition, the event created a place where young people and their families felt welcomed, supported, and understood.

Across the hall, Jo Harvey from Tauranga Intermediate was enjoying every moment.

Jo lives with low vision, cerebral palsy and the effects of a head injury. He had spent the past six months practising table tennis at home and was excited to finally put those hours of practice into action.

When asked what he loved most about the sport, his answer was immediate.

"Hitting the ball and having rallies."

Although naturally shy, Jo's confidence grew throughout the day. One of his favourite moments came afterwards when he proudly posed for a photo with his teacher, Nikolai.

Eli Filipo with his mum and brothers, Lou and Johnny, who were courtside all day cheering him on at the AIMS Games table tennis competition.

Nearby, Eli Filipo from Tauranga Special School competed with his biggest supporters by his side.

Eli has global developmental delay and traits associated with ADHD and autism. Throughout the competition he was supported by his mum and brothers, Lou and Johnny. 

His brothers had taken time away from work and school to be there. Every point won was celebrated. Every rally was cheered.

Watching from the sidelines, it was easy to see how much the day meant to the whole family.

Elina with her mum, Aloma Liwah, uncle and sister. For her family, watching Elina compete at the AIMS Games was a special and proud moment.

For Elina from Te Puke Intermediate, stepping onto the court was a major achievement in itself.

Born prematurely, Elina has faced significant health challenges throughout her life, including tracheostomy related issues. She is also autistic.

Because of her health journey, her mum, Aloma Liwah, had always been cautious about organised sport.

The AIMS Games provided something neither of them had experienced before.

For the first time, Aloma was able to sit on the sidelines and watch her daughter compete.

Elina finished third, but her placing was not what mattered most.

What her family remembered was seeing her take part, enjoy herself, and be part of something bigger than herself.

Eli Filipo with his mum and brothers, Lou and Johnny. After reminding his brothers they had to come and support him, Eli had his biggest fans cheering every rally from the sidelines.

For some families, this was the first time they had watched their child compete in sport. 

Throughout the day, there were smiles, hugs, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines as more than 30 young people with disabilities took to the tables at the AIMS Games.

A mum watching her son play sport for the very first time.

A family seeing a daughter embrace an opportunity they once thought might never be possible.

Brothers setting aside work and school commitments to cheer on a sibling.

A teacher sharing in a student's achievement.

And young people discovering confidence with every rally, every smile, and every point played.

As Verity Kidd reflected while watching her daughter Lilah compete:

"It's so nice to be part of the community."

For the more than 30 young people with disabilities who took part in this year's AIMS Games table tennis competition, that sense of belonging may have been the greatest achievement of all.