The grant is part of the Vodafone Graham Maher award, which gives the winner money to help them implement change through community work.

Calkoen, who has already won a Vodafone World of Difference award, is battling for online votes to become one of three international contenders to fly to the Gulf next month for an interview.

"It's like North versus South, but I think Carabiner is worthy because it's New Zealand-based," said Calkoen, a former 100 metres runner who gave up on his dream of competing in the Paralympics to concentrate on bigger causes.

"With the grant, I want to take it around the world.

"I want it to become the All Blacks of the world's charitable sector."

Carabiner was created three years ago to mentor disabled youngsters as they seek to achieve their goals, be they sporting, academic or something entirely different.

"It's not a complex idea, it's just about connecting people that share a passion and allowing young people with disabilities to be in the driving seat," said Calkoen, who has cerebral palsy.

"Everybody can benefit from having a mentor, a giant to look up to and learn from.

"I had a dream of competing at the Paralympics and, when my dream became known, things started to happen.

"I was getting sponsorship, travelling around the world, being presented with opportunities I would never have had.

"It's easy to just sit at home playing PlayStation because no one sees if you fail.

"But I want Carabiner to be the vehicle for young people with disabilities to break down barriers."

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