Waipa local Corban George-Potterton named volunteer of the year for Riding for the Disabled

Corban George-Potterton has been named as the winner of the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Tom Atchison Young Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023.

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 local 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 Tom Atchison 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 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.”