Nobody travelled further than Ella Sargison and Nina Kersten to attend the World Dwarf Games, but it was worth every kilometre.
The two friends make up the entire New Zealand team taking part in the games that has 420 athletes from 22 countries competing in a variety of sports.
On Tuesday it was soccer and marksmanship.
“We’d heard so much about it from the Australian team, how many friends they’d met and how much fun they’d had,’ Kersten said. “We were like ‘it would be cool to compete, make friends and play sports on a level playing field.”
Chimed in Sargison with a chuckle: “Here you can actually have a chance to win.”
Sargison and Kersten suited up for Team Germany on Tuesday to help fill their squad out for the soccer competition. Borrowing players from countries that are understaffed is allowed.
The two said that they are hoping to set an example back in New Zealand so that others will be motivated to take part in the gams in the future.
“We really wanted to get here because next time we want a bigger team. There’s a lot of families with LPs (little people) and we want to get them involved,” Sargenson said. “Not be an inspiration, more motivation.”
The two Kiwis rarely get the chance to compete with and against people with short stature. It usually means travelling to Australia.
It’s a common problem and the opportunity to do that is one of the biggest benefits of the games for the athletes.
Sandra Lundie and her son Matthew travelled from North Queensland, Australia, for the opportunity to reap the rewards of the games.
“It’s a chance for people with dwarfism to compete against their peers instead of competing against average-sized people,’ Lundie said.
“That’s a really big thing, especially where we’re from where there is only one or two other short statured people in our town.
“For him to be able to come here and see all these other kids and meet so many different people from all over the world is just amazing. To compete with them and against them.”
Lundie said the experience thus far has been amazing.
“Honestly, the people are amazing. The atmosphere is inclusive, he’s making friends and I truly hope he’s made lifelong friends,” Lundie said.
“He’s having an awesome time. He’s definitely at home, put it that way”
Competition continues through Saturday. Events are free and open to the public.
Event times and locations can be found here.
