Sharman And Scott-Vincent Receive Order Of Merit Pins From IPC President
Established in 2001, PNZ recognises individuals who have given outstanding service to the organisation and Paralympic sport by awarding them a PNZ Order of Merit.
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons presented Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and TV producer and director Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM at the Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) offices in Auckland (Thursday 22 May).
Established in 2001, PNZ recognises individuals who have given outstanding service to the organisation and Paralympic sport by awarding them a PNZ Order of Merit.
Following a rugby accident at school and becoming the first patient at the Otara Spinal Unit, Grant has stood out like a beacon for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the disability sports sector.
Moving into the sport of Wheelchair rugby, the Aucklander became captain of the Wheel Blacks and claimed successive bronze medals at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games before coaching the Wheel Blacks to an unforgettable gold medal at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Following his retirement from Wheelchair rugby, Grant returned to competitive sport as a Shooting Para sport exponent – reaching several World Cup finals.
Demonstrating an exceptional level of passion and selflessness in his service to disabled individuals, Grant has left an indelible mark on the sector. A Board member of Disability Sport Auckland and former Chair at Parafed Auckland, he also worked as PNZ High Performance Director.
A commentator for TVNZ at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Grant also worked as a presenter and associate producer with Attitude TV for many years.
In 2004 he received the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the disabled community and sport, the following year he won Aucklander of the Year. Grant also received the Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award for services for the Disability Sports Sector in 2024.
Sharman said of receiving his Order of Merit Pin: 'It's always a nice feeling to be acknowledged for achievement or service, even more so when it is from an organisation that you've been a part of since its inception. When I broke my neck at 15 playing rugby, I never in my wildest dreams envisaged wearing the Silver Fern and representing my country. Through my involvement with Wheelchair Rugby, the International Paralympic movement, and especially Paralympics New Zealand, that became a reality and something that I and my family are immensely proud. Any form of worthwhile success is grounded in hard work, commitment, sacrifice and importantly the support of good people. To be awarded the PNZ Order of Merit is a huge honour and knowing the previous recipients, a most humbling experience.'
TV producer and director Robyn Scott-Vincent has done so much for Para sport
through her company – Attitude Pictures Ltd, the world's largest producer of disability
focused content.
A staple of New Zealand television since 2005 – Robyn has produced more than 700
episodes of Attitude, and more than 60 programmes around Paralympic athletes. bringing countless Para sport stars to life from Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM #166 Dame Sophie Pascoe DNZM, #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM and #197 Liam Malone MNZM.
Attitude secured the Paralympic broadcast rights in 2013, and in partnerships with TVNZ delivered coverage of the Paralympic Games at London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
As an advocate on behalf of the disabled community, her goals are to inspire people
living with a disability to live their life to the fullest, to provide strong role models for
our young people and to inspire change. In 2014 she was named a Member of the
Order of New Zealand Merit for services to both television and the disabled. She is
one of the founders of the Attitude Awards and has ensured all content is available to view free on YouTube.
Scott-Vincent said: 'As a former sports journalist it has been a highlight of my career, and a real privilege to work in partnership with PNZ and alongside the many wonderful Para athletes who trusted us to tell their stories. We've collaborated and used the power of television to showcase Para athletes' grit and resilience, and in the process we've helped to reshape the way all Kiwis regard all disabled people. Across the past 21 years it has been gratifying to see a real shift whereby the public now truly respect Paralympic athletes as elite sportsmen and women. It's been one heck of a journey.'
PNZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'Grant and Robyn have both played an invaluable role in helping change the way New Zealanders view disability, and the Paralympic Movement has benefited greatly from their tireless efforts.
'Grant has left a huge imprint on Para sport in Aotearoa New Zealand thanks to his efforts as Paralympian, coach and in a variety of administrative roles which has helped pave the way for what Para sport looks like today.
'Robyn has been a long-standing advocate for the disabled in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her inspirational work in bringing the stories of so many Para athletes to life has had a profound impact on changing the narrative on how the disabled are perceived.'
'The pair are worthy recipients of the Order of the Merit and I have no doubt they will continue to challenge for more change to remove barriers for the disabled in Aotearoa New Zealand.'
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