Adaptive Adventure Film Evening - Christchurch
Click here to watch the films free online
The Adaptive Adventure Film Evening in Christchurch was an unforgettable celebration of hope, community, and the power of getting outdoors. Last week, we hosted this Mastering Mountains fundraiser, and we were blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone who attended. The evening exceeded all expectations.
Photo credit: Sarah Blair
Stories that inspired everyone
The evening featured a curated selection of films showcasing people living with neurological conditions and other disabilities who continue to pursue outdoor adventure in bold and creative ways. From mountain biking and climbing to skiing and hiking, each story highlighted the fact that adventure always remains within reach, no matter the challenges. With some creativity and determination, outdoor adventures can be filled with hope and possibility.
These films had a profound impact, and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our audience. The shared emotion in the room was unmistakable — people described the films as moving and hopeful: they were inspired not just by what they saw on screen, but by the sense of possibility those stories represented.
Photo credit: Sarah Blair
Community generosity in action
As a fundraiser, the event was also an incredible success, and together we raised over $3,000. These funds will go directly towards helping people with neurological conditions pursue their own outdoor goals through Mastering Mountains’ programmes. It costs up to $6,800 to support one person for a year, covering mentoring, specialist rehabilitation, equipment, and peer support costs. The generosity of everyone who attended makes a real difference in the lives of our programme participants.
A collective effort
The evening could not have happened without the help of an amazing group of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Special thanks go to Black Diamond, our primary sponsor, whose generosity made the event possible and who supplied fantastic prizes. Thanks to Shipleys Audiovisual for supplying all the necessary AV equipment, Sarah Blair for her fantastic work capturing the magic of the night, and all the filmmakers who gave us permission to show their films. We also deeply appreciate the generosity of all the businesses that supplied the outstanding raffle prizes, and the support of the volunteers who enabled the evening to run smoothly.
Looking ahead
Seeing everyone come together with such enthusiasm and support was inspiring, and it reminded us why we do what we do: to open up opportunities for people to reconnect with the outdoors and rediscover what’s possible for people with disabilities.
The success of the Adaptive Adventure Film Evening has set the stage for future events and reinforced our sense of mission: that everyone deserves the chance to experience hope, community, and adventure, regardless of their abilities.
For those who couldn’t make it on the night, the films can still be viewed online for free.
We are also so grateful for the support of the following businesses, who generously offered raffle prizes: Bivouac Outdoor | Mt Hutt Skifield | Boulder Co - Christchurch | Southern Approach | Real Meals | New World Stanmore | Cocoa Black Cafe | Pete’s Natural Sodas | Barkers of Geraldine | Ski & Snowboard Surgery | Scorpio Books
A huge thanks to Sarah Blair for these fantastic photos.