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Above: Bhakti Patel’s love of table tennis brings success. OUR LIFE Member Stories Bhakti’s story: A win for Bhakti After just six years, Bhakti Patel is making her mark on the Para Table Tennis scene. In October 2023, the 20-year- old Cerebral Palsy Society member won the New Zealand Para National Women’s Singles title for classes 6 to 11. She also earned a silver medal in the women’s doubles and in the women’s singles class 8 to 11. The Auckland resident says table tennis gives her the chance to meet new people and learn new skills. “I also love the support I get in the table tennis community. There are so many more things I love about the sport.” She plays for the Counties Manukau Table Tennis Association and is grateful to her “amazing and supportive coaches” John and Jillie. Va’s story: Making the most of life Rugby league and ballroom dancing. They are an unlikely combination. One is a very physical sport that demands strength, speed and determination. The other requires poise, grace and precision. But for Vaotane Filemoni, who lives with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai “I would not be here without you.” Bhakti also appreciates the support her family has given her, and the funding provided by the Society. “Thank you to the Cerebral Palsy Society for funding my driving lessons so I can be more independent, and all the funding the Cerebral Palsy Society has given me in the past for enabling me with my fitness and wellbeing.” The full version of this article was published in The Review Sept to Dec 2023. Nukurangi, they both provide a sense of belonging, and help her make the most of life. Up until about five years ago Vaotane, known as Va, played rugby league in a mixed team as part of New Zealand’s original Disability Rugby League team. Va works as a teacher aide and also does ballroom dancing. Va had always loved ballroom dancing, but her interest in it grewwhen she watched dancing shows on television while she was recovering from being hit by a car in 2018. “After the accident, I realised that life was short, so I looked around for a studio that would let me learn.” She’s taken weekly classes for four years, and also helps with competitions. Since leaving high school she has worked in early childhood education, volunteered with youth, completed a business administration course and she is currently working as a teacher aide. “I love my job,” she says. Va says because she’s been through the mainstream education system while living with a disability, she has a unique and different perspective to bring to the students she works with. “I knowwhen to push kids. I know what works and what doesn’t. I want them to love to learn.” 16 | ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2023-2024