On Saturday 13th June, 1pm at Ngamuwahine Outdoor Education Lodge, as William Pike Challenge Award director, author and amputee William Pike launches a modified WPCA specifically for physically disabled young people.
 
A chance to take part in sea kayaking, archery, sailing and orienteering is a reality for young people from Parafed Bay of Plenty and Parafed Waikato as they take part in the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) this year.
 
Over the year, students will be participating in 8 outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service and personally develop a new sport or hobby in order to gain the award. The WPCA is a gateway to new experiences, opportunities and a means of developing a positive youth culture for the nation.
 
The WPCA provides groups and schools with support, resources and motivation to facilitate outdoor education and youth development. The WPCA is an outdoor activity-based programme run over a 12 month period.
 
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with the young people from Parafed Bay of Plenty and Parafed Waikato. This is the first time we’ve been able to offer the WPCA to youth with physical disabilities. The WPCA will be giving these young people a huge range of opportunities to connect with local people and places in their community, to grow and develop as individuals, and to experience the beauty of the New Zealand outdoors” said William.
 
“I’m really excited to bring physically disabled kids together to experience outdoor recreational activities, both regions hold vast opportunities to take part in outdoor recreation so this programme will open the kids minds to all they can be involved with. It is also the first major project between Parafed Waikato and Parafed Bay of Plenty which will only strengthen the relationship between the two Parafed’s” said ​Baytrust Coachforce Parafed Development Officer Zane Jensen.
 
The challenge provides the students, their families and the wider community a tool which not only strengthens the communities they live in, but enables children to grow and become empowered through challenging new experiences and opportunities while learning valuable life lessons.
 
William knows firsthand the value of being prepared for facing obstacles. He was one of two young climbers caught in a volcanic eruption on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, on the evening of 25 September 2007. Pike suffered numerous life threatening injuries, and as a result, his right leg was amputated below the knee, needing extensive recovery and rehabilitation. 
 
By adopting a positive attitude and moving on with the support of his family and friends, William was once again, able to embrace his love of the outdoors and develop this award which he now passes on to a new generation of Kiwi kids through the WPCA.
 
This WPCA opportunity is coordinated by Parafed Bay of Plenty and Parafed Waikato is aimed specifically for physically disabled young people aged between 10 and 13. It is supported by the Think Differently Campaign.
The WPCA actively involves the community to foster positive connections between peers, communities, school and home life. The WPCA benefits youth by exposing them to; outdoor safety, environmental education, potential career pathways, life-long skills and hobbies and a healthy and motivated approach to life.
 
William Pike is a known Kiwi, sought-after speaker and a role model to youth nationally and internationally. He is the director of the William Pike Challenge Award - a popular youth development programme. He holds a Bachelor of Education with First Class Honours and is an experienced primary school teacher.
 
William has an infectious enthusiasm for adventure and life – which is nicely summed up by his autobiography, Every Day’s A Good Day. As a 2014 KiwiBank Local Hero medal recipient, Overall AMP Bank Regional Scholarship winner and 2015 Young New Zealander of the year semi finalist – William is a leader and an achiever who resonates passion and success without limits.
 
William’s dream is to turn the William Pike Challenge Award into New Zealand’s most popular Intermediate and Middle School outdoor education programme. He’s well on his way to achieving his goal with the William Pike Challenge Award growing rapidly over the past three years. This year there will be 48 schools and close to 1100 students participating in the programme.
 
Schools in low and high socio-economic areas from Whangarei to Stewart Island are participating in the William Pike Challenge Award. William Pike has completed more than 100 speaking engagements to businesses, government agencies, at fundraising functions and schools.
 
For more information visit WPCA’s website www.williampike.co.nz or facebook.com/pikechallenge


The William Pike Challenge Award