We continue to celebrate National Volunteer Week by highlighting some outstanding volunteers who are involved with ParaFed Canterbury. Next up is Matt Vernick.

Matt is the Disability and Inclusion Lead for Basketball New Zealand. While this is his day job, and a paid role, it is the work he does above and beyond this that make us appreciate him as one of the great volunteers of our community.

During his 2.5 years in the role as Disability and Inclusion Lead he has done amazing things for basketball. He has taken the sport, in particular wheelchair basketball, to a completely new level of organisation and professionalism.

He has focused on building a positive and well organised culture within wheelchair basketball. Through Matt’s leadership and guidance, there are more people playing the sport across the country, including an increased number of females and juniors.

Beyond this, the work he has done for Canterbury Wheelchair Basketball on a voluntary basis is amazing. He has helped create an environment that has seen playing numbers double locally, and he has been the one constant at every event or training, whether that is team practices, wheelchair basketball in schools, Koru Games, club tournaments or have a go days.

His support to ParaFed Canterbury, especially strengthening our relationship with wheelchair basketball has been fantastic. He has volunteered for a number of other sports events, including boccia, wheelchair rugby and swimming. Outside of all of this, Matt volunteers his time at TIMA (Adaptive Physical Activity) and is a former Teacher of Health & Physical Education.

Matt is an incredible volunteer, supporter, and person, and is always keen for a chat anytime you see him.

Thank you Matt and thank you to all our amazing volunteers.

Article added: Wednesday 28 June 2025