More Opportunities Than Ever: Inclusive Table Tennis Thriving at AIMS Games
As excitement builds for the 2026 AIMS Games on 11 September, more young people with disabilities than ever before will have the opportunity to compete in table tennis and be part of one of New Zealand's premier sporting events for intermediate-aged students.
AIMS Games continues to provide inclusive sporting opportunities through adapted sports divisions, including swimming, cross country, indoor bowls and table tennis. These divisions give young people with disabilities the chance to compete, challenge themselves and experience the excitement of a national tournament environment.
For Table Tennis New Zealand, the focus has been on ensuring more young people with disabilities are aware of these opportunities and feel confident participating in the competition.
Have-A-Go at Te Puke Intermediate School
Over the past year, TTNZ Partnership Manager Shane Laugesen has worked closely with the AIMS Games team to promote greater participation in the 2026 edition. Together, they delivered three successful Have-A-Go Days, including sessions at Te Puke Intermediate and Tauranga Special School and Mokoia Intermediate (Rotorua) introducing students to table tennis and showcasing the opportunities available through the adapted competition at AIMS Games.
The initiative was designed to remove barriers to participation, build confidence and create a pathway for young people with disabilities to experience the challenge and excitement of competitive sport.
The effort has resulted in a significant increase in participation, with more than 30 young people with disabilities set to compete in table tennis at this year's AIMS Games.
Shane said the Have-A-Go days played an important role in encouraging participants to take the next step towards competing at the AIMS Games.
"It was heartening to see the smiles on the young people's faces and the excitement they brought to each session. The Have-A-Go Days were a great introduction to table tennis, giving them the opportunity to try the sport, build confidence and see what is possible.
For many, it was the first step on their AIMS Games journey. The sessions helped spark interest in table tennis and encouraged participants to continue training and preparing for the competition.
We have already seen a huge increase in participation, and the response from young people and schools has been incredible."
Te Puke Intermediate School Have-A-Go Day
AIMS Games Tournament Director Kelly Schischka said the Have-A-Go initiative, delivered in partnership with Table Tennis New Zealand and Parafed Bay of Plenty, was helping create a more inclusive event.
"It is about creating a tournament where athletes feel supported and inspired to compete."
The increase in participation highlights the growing demand for inclusive competition opportunities and reinforces the importance of ensuring sport is accessible to everyone. Beyond results, these opportunities help build confidence, friendships, independence and a lifelong love of physical activity.
As preparations continue for AIMS Games 2026, TTNZ is excited to welcome a record number of young people with disabilities to the table tennis competition. Their participation is a testament to the power of inclusive sport and the importance of creating opportunities where every young person can challenge themselves, compete and achieve their potential.