Chris Knight has a vision – for everyone, regardless of ability, to have access and opportunity to take part in quality sport and active recreation options. 

And it’s a vision Southland is a step closer to realising, thanks to Chris’ new role at Active Southland. 

Chris has joined the regional sports trust as Disability and Inclusion Advisor. Not only is it a new role for Chris, but it is also a new role for Active Southland, brought about through a collaboration with the Y, and IAM Southland, and funded through the government’s Disability Inclusion Fund. 

The southern collaboration is one of 16 national and regional organisations included in the funding, designed to increase opportunities for young people with disabilities in sport and recreation. 

For Chris, who has enjoyed a lifelong love of being involved in sport, it is a perfect fit with his own aspirations. 

“I am really excited about the challenges ahead because I know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s something I am passionate about. I have always wanted everyone to have an opportunity to be involved in sport, no matter their ability.” 

With a background in athletics – he competed at local, regional and national level in a range of events including high jump and decathlon, over 20 years, Chris has now turned his hand to coaching. It is a role he has held since 2012, and which earned him the Ricoh Coach of the Year award at the ILT Southland Sports Awards in 2020 and 2022. 

“Initially I wanted to get back into competing but I found there was a group of kids that didn’t have anyone helping them with their throws, so I got into coaching.   

“Coaching has always been my happy place, watching children that come to me from age 11 or 12 and seeing them go off to university and being really amazing young people, achieving well, no matter which way. That’s what makes me happy.” 

That coaching experience is what ignited his vision of a fully inclusive sporting sector. He has worked in the para space with athletics, and while he recognises the challenges involved in sports becoming more inclusive, it is a goal that he believes is fully achievable. 

And while the impact of his new role at Active Southland is yet to be seen, he is confident there is appetite among organisations to be more inclusive, provided they have the right support. Which is exactly where he comes in. 

“It’s about changing people’s attitudes. The usual reaction is it’s too difficult, but once you get into it, it’s actually not.” 

When he’s not out on the athletics track, you can find Chris indulging his other passion – Lego. He is an active member of the local Lego Users Group, but that involvement also links with his desire to help the community – the group often supports charities, and also run low sensory events to cater for people that prefer less stimulating environments. 

Article added: Wednesday 16 November 2022