Jacinta Richardson - 2015-2019

Jacinta Richardson (St Kevins 2015-2019) has recently been selected for the NZ Wheelchair rugby team. In March, she officially received her International grading classification at an eight-nation tournament played at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (Upper Hutt), coinciding with her NZ team selection. 

This was a qualifying tournament for the Para Olympics, but NZ still needed to finish in the top 3.

She also competed in an Australian state tournament where the NZ team won the bronze medal.

Jacinta's journey in wheelchair rugby began while studying at Otago University. Her passion and dedication quickly caught the attention of national selectors, leading to her selection in the  NZ development team in 2022. Since then, she has honed her skills in several NZ and Australian tournaments, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the sport. 

Wheelchair rugby is a mixed-team sport. Jacinta is one of 2 females in the NZ team. 

In wheelchair rugby, the classification system is essential, as it determines a player's level of disability. The scale ranges from 0.5 to 5.0, with 0.5 indicating significant disability and 5 representing full ability. To compete internationally, a player's classification must be 3.5 or less, a rule Jacinta adheres to with unwavering determination. 

0.5 being significantly disabled and 5 being fully able-bodied. To play internationally, a player needs to be 3.5 or less. Jacinta is graded 3.5

Jacinta completed her B Lab Science at the end of 2023. She hopes to get a job in Christchurch to continue playing for the Canterbury team. 

Despite her other commitments, Jacinta's dedication to wheelchair rugby is unwavering. Currently, she commutes weekly from Oamaru to Christchurch for practice, a testament to her dedication and love for the sport.

Article added: Wednesday 15 May 2024