Mark Liddle recently competed in the 2025 Para Table Tennis Festival. It was the biggest Oceania game, with 6 countries represented. Competitors had a wide range of disabilities, and Mark Liddle and Matt Britz were the only ones with Arthrogryposis.

Mark played singles in category 6/7, which had 3 Australian competitors (2 Paralympians) and Matt Britz (NZ Paralympian). Hence, it was very tough competition! He also played doubles with Matt Britz, in which they gained bronze. Well done!

Australia had a very strong team with three members winning multiple golds. Overall, it was a great competition with lots of great people competing.

Below are some photos from the competition.

June 30 is World Arthrogryposis day, and we want you to help us spread the word, the more people that understand what both Arthrogryposis is, and what it means to us and how it affects our world, the more they understand.

Follow along, share our posts, comment and get involved by sharing your own story/experience.

Join us as we build up for June 30th to celebrate our differences, and what amazing things we do, and the great things Arthrogryposis brings into our lives.

Here are 5 simple ideas of ways to help build awareness this June.

1. Share on Social Media

Amplify our message by sharing TAGNZ’s posts on your personal social media pages. Use hashtags like #BlueForAMC, #AMCawareness, and #CurvyKidNZ to reach a broader audience. Your share could educate someone new about AMC and its community.

2. Organize a “Blue Day” Event

Host a morning tea, casual drinks, or a community walk where attendees wear blue to show support. June 30 is the perfect day to paint your workplace, school, or neighborhood blue in solidarity with the AMC community. Encourage participants to share photos on social media to spread the word further.

3. Display Awareness Posters

Place AMC awareness posters in common areas at your school, workplace, or local community centers. Visual displays can spark curiosity and conversations, leading to greater understanding and support.

4. Give a Short Talk or Presentation

Offer to speak at a staff meeting, school assembly, or community gathering about AMC. Sharing personal stories or information about the condition can foster empathy and inclusivity. Even a brief presentation can make a significant impact.

5. Distribute Informational Pamphlets

Provide AMC informational pamphlets to local libraries, clinics, schools, and community centers. Ensuring that accurate information is accessible helps educate the public and supports those affected by AMC.

Every year on June 30, we celebrate Arthrogryposis Awareness Day—a chance to shine a light on this rare condition that affects joint movement and muscle development from birth. Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is complex, and no two people experience it the same. That’s why awareness, understanding, and inclusion are so important.

This year, TAGNZ invites schools, workplaces, and communities across Aotearoa to join us in spreading awareness, acceptance, and aroha.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Wear blue on June 30 – it’s the international colour for AMC awareness
• Host a “Blue Day” at your school or workplace and share photos with us
• Read or watch The Amazing Curvy Kid by Mark Liddle – a beautiful story about being different and proud
• Start a conversation about disability, diversity, and acceptance
• Share stories from our amazing AMC community (we’ll be sharing them all month!)

Why it matters:

Arthrogryposis is rare, and that can make life isolating. By raising awareness, we help others feel seen, valued, and included. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coworker, or friend—your support creates ripples of kindness and connection.

Together, we can build a New Zealand where everyone is accepted exactly as they are.

When I was about 12, my Mum insisted that we had an adult 3-wheeled bike made for me so I could take myself to school, but not when it was too windy (lived in Gisborne).

I hated my bike, as it emphasised my differences, but I loved the independence it gave me. I tried to pass as many high school boys as I could just to make me feel good.

As an older person I love my new 3- wheeler. I actually biked the Otago Rail Trail in 5 days (152 kilometres) with support from my friends, just a few years back.

Having AMC I have learnt how important it is to keep mobile and active.