From a Have-a-Go Day to Finding His Place: Dilan’s Wheelchair Tennis Journey

Attending a Have-a-Go Day is often a win-win. At the very least, people get the chance to try something new, meet new people, and enjoy being active. But every now and then, a single session sparks something much bigger.

Dilan first picked up a tennis racquet at a Wheelchair Tennis Have-a-Go Day hosted at the Pāpāmoa Tennis Centre in February 2026, delivered in partnership with Parafed Waikato and the Halberg Foundation. The event invited participants to give wheelchair tennis a go in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment.

Dilan attended with his mum, Jess, and from the moment he got on court, he looked right at home.

With a background in surfing and a natural love of sport, Dilan quickly took to tennis. His coordination, determination, and willingness to give anything a go stood out from the start.

It was also at this event that Dilan met Sam Collins, New Zealand-born coach and current National Wheelchair Tennis Coach for Ireland, who was spending time back home. The pair quickly formed a connection, which soon developed into regular coaching sessions and a growing passion for the sport.

Since then, Dilan has been receiving ongoing coaching support from Sam, helping him build his skills, confidence, and love for the game.

For Jess, finding the right activity for Dilan hasn't always been straightforward.

"It can be hard to find something he genuinely enjoys between appointments, school, and everything else that's going on," she says.

Tennis, however, has been different.

With the support of his school, Dilan has been able to attend weekly coaching sessions at Ōtūmoetai Tennis Club, giving him an opportunity to develop his game and be part of a positive and welcoming sporting environment.

More importantly, he's found a place where he fulfils his passion.

At Ōtūmoetai Tennis Club, Dilan has built friendships, grown in confidence, and become part of a community that really values and supports him.

"I've never seen him so passionate about a sport," says Jess. "He gets really disappointed when sessions are cancelled because of the rain. When he's not at the court, he's out the front of the house hitting balls against the wall."

That enthusiasm is exactly what makes stories like Dilan's so special.

What started as a single Have-a-Go Day has become a meaningful part of his weekly routine and a sport he truly loves. It's also a powerful reminder of the impact that accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities can have on young people and their families.

Dilan's journey reflects the growing momentum behind wheelchair tennis in Aotearoa. As awareness increases and more coaches have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to deliver inclusive tennis experiences, more players will have the opportunity to discover the sport and find their place within it.

Learn More About Wheelchair Tennis Opportunities in Your Community