Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Corban George-Potterton, Person With Disabilities, Named Young Volunteer Of The Year For Riding For The Disabled
Nominated from a pool of 48 RDA groups across New Zealand, Corban is an RDA volunteer with an intellectual disability and ADHD. He is supported to live as independently as possible in the community, by disability support provider ConneXu.
Despite the challenges he faces, Corban has been dedicatedly volunteering at RDA for many years. RDA's core purpose is to offer riding therapy that improves health and wellbeing outcomes for people with disabilities or those with specific needs.
Corban's commitment to volunteering not only exemplifies the therapeutic benefits of RDA’s programmes, but also highlights the inclusive environment that empowers individuals like him to contribute meaningfully to the community.
As a volunteer, Corban is responsible for a horse called Kiki. When people come to RDA for riding therapy sessions, Corban leads Kiki around the arena and paddocks with the rider in the saddle. RDA says he understands Kiki’s temperament and is responsible for making sure she’s ready to go for the riders that come in.
ConneXu General Manager Partnerships & Enablement Kate Shaw says receiving the RDA Young Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023 is awesome recognition of Corban’s commitment as an RDA volunteer.
“It’s wonderful to see Corban be recognised for his efforts and dedication to volunteering at RDA,” says Kate.
“It is a shining example of how Corban is living his best life as he chooses, following the principles of Enabling Good Lives where he has control and choice in his life and support.”
On receiving his award, Corban says “I was so surprised and happy to win the NZRDA Young Volunteer of the Year Award.”
“I couldn't believe it when I saw the plaque, medal, and certificates. It was an amazing and unexpected surprise.”
About ConneXu
ConneXu is a disability support provider with bases in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupo. Founded in 1989, they believe everyone should live their life as they choose. ConneXu partners with disabled people, to enable them to have choice and control of their lives, with the support of their whanau and ConneXu’s team. That’s why the principles of Enabling Good Lives are firmly integrated into who ConneXu is as an organisation and everything they do.
www.connexu.nz
About Corban George-Potterton
Te Awamutu local Corban George-Potterton is a Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Volunteer for the Cambridge Group. Corban has an intellectual disability and ADHD and is supported to live as independently as possible in the community, by local disability support provider ConneXu. Corban has won the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Young Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023 from a pool of 48 RDA groups across New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
Department Of Internal Affairs: Samoan Citizenship Bill Passes Into Law
NZ National Party: National Acknowledges The Passing Of Hon Nikki Kaye
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
