‘Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line’ Coming Soon

Check out the trailer for the new docu-series Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line, directed by DEGANZ Board President Robyn Paterson and edited by fellow DEGANZ member Jai Waite.

The series goes behind the scenes of Aotaroa’s wheelchair rugby team as they battle to rise above declining resources for the chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The series lifts the lid on the dramatic, hard-hitting, and compelling sport played by athletes affected by a disability. It captures the highs and lows of life as a Wheel Black, both on and off the court. While other high-level international teams have high-performance budgets in the millions, the Wheel Blacks have to rely on fundraising, charity, and volunteers. This lack of resources is seeing player numbers dwindle locally – not only are the team fighting for a place at the Paralympics, but also for the future of a sport that has transformed their lives and is a source of inspiration for many.

Robyn and Jai co-produced the series for their production company, Sweet Productions.

In a recent press release, Jai, a former Wheel Blacks player who helped take home the gold at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, says,

Wheelchair rugby and the Wheel Blacks is a taonga I carry within me that was pivotal in my own journey from accident, through acceptance, to thriving in life with a disability. This year we celebrate 20 years from the peak of the sport with Gold at the Athens Paralympics – it’s important to me that we shine a light on the game here in New Zealand and encourage more players to come through.

Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line premieres on Sky Open on 18 August, 8.30 pm, before airing on Sky Sport 1 on 19 August, 8.30 pm (episodes airing weekly). All episodes will be available on Neon from 19 August.

Last updated on 18 July 2024