At just 21 years old, Corran Hanning is already charting an extraordinary path - one marked by academic ambition, national sporting success, and personal resilience. As a recipient of the Ian Campbell Scholarship, administered by the Wellington Paraplegic and Disability Trust, Corran’s story is a powerful example of how targeted support can help young people with physical disabilities thrive across multiple fields.
Legally blind and living with albinism, Corran is enrolled with the Blind Foundation and has never let his visual impairment hold him back. A former Wellington College prefect and athletics team captain, he excelled as the Senior Boys Shot-put and Discus Champion and led his team at the prestigious McEvedy Shield. His talent carried him beyond school - Corran now holds multiple New Zealand para-athletics records in the T/F12 classification, including national U17, U20, and Open records in shot-put, discus, javelin, and sprint events.
But Corran is not only an elite athlete. He’s also an academic force, now in his third year at Victoria University of Wellington studying toward a double degree - a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy. In 2024, he has taken on a rigorous academic load including Public Law, Criminal Law, and advanced courses in ethical theory and philosophy of language.
The Ian Campbell Scholarship has played a crucial role in helping Corran strike a balance between his demanding academic workload and elite-level athletic training. Without the pressure to take on part-time work, he’s been able to focus his energy where it matters most - in the classroom and on the field.
“Receiving the Ian Campbell Scholarship has helped me focus fully on my studies without the constant stress of financial strain,” Corran says. “It’s opened doors for me academically, athletically, and personally, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support.”
Corran is also musically gifted - he plays both the trumpet and guitar - and has completed an Outward Bound course through Dsport, further developing his leadership and resilience.
The Wellington Paraplegic and Disability Trust is proud to support driven young people like Corran, whose determination, discipline, and passion embody the spirit of the Ian Campbell Scholarship. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity - and when the right support is there to help people rise.
