Latest news with #ParalympicMovement
Scoop
a day ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Bupa Commits To Long Term Partnership With Paralympics New Zealand
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to announce Bupa New Zealand as an Official Partner for the next three years. The partnership further cements the relationship between PNZ and the aged care and retirement village provider after Bupa partnered with PNZ to support the NZ Paralympic Team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Bupa's values of supporting inclusion and access for all, align perfectly with those of PNZ and will help shine a light on the power of Para sport to transform lives. PNZ CEO Greg Warnecke said: 'We are delighted to welcome back Bupa as an Official Partner to Paralympics New Zealand and the NZ Paralympic Team. Bupa have already shown their commitment to supporting Para sport globally, and this will further solidify our partnership to grow the Paralympic Movement in Aotearoa New Zealand. 'It is always important for Paralympics New Zealand to partner with organisations that share our vision, and we look forward to working together to create greater awareness of Para sport opportunities for people with a disability throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.' Bupa New Zealand Managing Director Pedro Sanchez said: 'We're incredibly proud to commit to a long-term partnership with Paralympics New Zealand. 'Para athletes represent the very best of human spirit – people who have faced challenges and risen to perform at the highest level. Their stories inspire our people, our residents, and our communities. 'We're honoured to stand alongside Paralympics New Zealand as a strong local partner, helping champion equity, mental and physical wellbeing, and the power of sport to change lives,' he said. About the NZ Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible. To find out more about us, please visit about us: To support Paralympics New Zealand click here: Join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
IPC Athletes' Forum 2025 concludes with focus on athletes well-being, overall development
Duisburg (Germany): More than 70 athlete representatives from over 50 countries gathered in Bonn and Duisburg, Germany, for the fourth edition of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes' Forum, held from June 24 to 26, 2025. The Forum brought together athlete leaders from National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, Regional Organisations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled, and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Over the three days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on key topics shaping the future of the Paralympic Movement. The opening day featured welcome addresses from IPC Athletes' Council Chairperson Vladyslava Kravchenko and IPC President Andrew Parsons, and sessions on IPC governance with IPC Chief Executive Officer Mike Peters and the Paralympic Games with IPC Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn. The day concluded with the inauguration of the IPC's new headquarters in Bonn, attended by federal, state, and city officials, IPC Governing Board members, para-athletes, Team IPC staff, and other distinguished guests. Juan Diego Blas, a para-archer from Guatemala who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, said: 'Being at the Athletes' Forum was amazing. In addition to going to the Paralympic Games, my dream was to come to Bonn and meet Team IPC. What is more fulfilling than attending the inauguration of the new headquarters? 'All the athletes were very happy to be part of the celebration and that the IPC has a new home. The Forum was excellent.' Day two focused on athlete knowledge and education. Sessions covered the fundamentals of classification and the new 2025 IPC Athlete Classification Code. Anti-doping compliance and athlete responsibilities were also addressed. A special workshop led by TikTok, Maximising Your Social Media Presence, provided athletes with practical tools to grow their digital platforms, connect with fans, and elevate the visibility of para-sport. Thomas Borg, a para-athlete from Malta, shared: 'The presentation by TikTok was my favourite session. Nowadays, I think it is important to get the message out there and get it out as raw and authentic as possible. With TikTok, you can get your message out so easily, and that's what I enjoy about it. 'Structuring a better content plan to cater more to users and audience was something I was familiar with, but it became much clearer after the presentation. Hopefully, I'll be posting more consistent content, and my goal is to catch up to the @Paralympics TikTok channel.' The final day featured a panel on athlete representation and athlete well-being. Breakout discussions allowed participants to share experiences and ideas on improving representation and the athlete experience at the Paralympic Games. The IPC also presented its impact and development programmes, including grant opportunities and initiatives supporting para-athlete leadership. Reynold Hoover, Chief Executive Officer of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, and John Harper, Chief Operating Officer of LA28, joined the final day to engage with athletes and hear first-hand about what makes a great athlete's Paralympic Games experience. IPC President Andrew Parsons said: "The IPC Athletes' Forum is an event for athletes, with athletes, and a place where athletes from across the globe can learn more about the Paralympic Movement and share their views on a range of topics. 'Sport is transformational, it breaks down barriers, builds confidence, and unites people across cultures. That's why athlete input is not only welcomed, it is central to everything we do as we strive for a more inclusive and athlete-driven Paralympic Movement." Vladyslava Kravchenko, IPC Athletes' Council Chairperson, added: "It was so great to see so many athlete representatives from across the world come together and attend the IPC Athletes' Forum for three days of fantastic and purposeful dialogue. In particular, I was really pleased that so many athletes from Africa and Latin America were able to attend and contribute thanks to the support of the IPC Solidarity Programme. The objective now is to keep the dialogue between the athletes open as we build for the future.' To ensure diversity and equitable representation across the Paralympic Movement, the IPC supported 21 athlete representatives from eligible National Paralympic Committees through its Solidarity Programme to attend the Forum. Yaimillie Marie Diaz Colon, a para-athlete from Puerto Rico and a recipient of the grant to attend the Forum, said: "It was very emotional for me to be here. I learned a lot and there were a lot of things that I could bring back to my country. 'Being here means opportunity for growth in my country. As I'm representing Puerto Rico, I can get new ideas and bring them back to my country. It is good in terms of motivation for young people."
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
IPC President Andrew Parsons Set For Historic Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons is set to be proudly hosted by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) during an historic tour of Aotearoa New Zealand this week. Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. Experiencing his second time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most influential person in the global Paralympic Movement will later on Wednesday morning fly to Wellington where he will be welcomed by Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle and Sport NZ colleagues, before attending a meeting with Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. On Thursday, the IPC President since 2017 will be present at a Corporate Breakfast in central Auckland which will feature a panel of three Paralympians – #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM – and an invited list of key strategic and commercial partners, stakeholders and guests. He will later attend a private meeting with the Governor General of New Zealand, Her Excellency the Rt HonDame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, who also serves as PNZ Patron. The Brazilian-born IPC President will also assist with the presentation of PNZ Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM and also meet members of the PNZ Athletes' Council and Staff Team. On Friday (23 May) – his final full day in Aotearoa New Zealand – he will attend the PNZ Athletes' Council meeting, as well as watch and present Para swimming medals at the New Zealand Swimming Championships hosted at the Sir Owen G Glenn Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium. He will fly out of Auckland to Vanuatu on Saturday (24 May) morning as part of his ongoing tour of the Oceania region. Paralympics NZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'It is a huge honour and a privilege for the IPC President Andrew Parsons to be here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Paralympic Games are the third largest global sporting event in the world behind the Olympic Games and FIFA Football World Cup. The IPC President's time here will shine a light on the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of the Paralympic Games and Para sport, which will help us in our quest for a fully inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand.' IPC President Andrew Parsons said of his upcoming visit to New Zealand: 'I'm really excited to be visiting Paralympics New Zealand, a nation with a rich Paralympic history and heritage that regularly punches above its weight in all areas on the world stage. 'During my visit I'm eager to learn more about Paralympics New Zealand's work to better understand the challenges they are facing and also take in some of their key learnings that have consistently made them one of the best performing nations per capita at the Paralympic Games. 'As with every visit, I'm also keen to meet Para athletes who are the beating heart of the Paralympic Movement.' Notes: About the New Zealand Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
IPC President Andrew Parsons Set For Historic Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons is set to be proudly hosted by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) during an historic tour of Aotearoa New Zealand this week. Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. Experiencing his second time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most influential person in the global Paralympic Movement will later on Wednesday morning fly to Wellington where he will be welcomed by Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle and Sport NZ colleagues, before attending a meeting with Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. On Thursday, the IPC President since 2017 will be present at a Corporate Breakfast in central Auckland which will feature a panel of three Paralympians – #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM – and an invited list of key strategic and commercial partners, stakeholders and guests. He will later attend a private meeting with the Governor General of New Zealand, Her Excellency the Rt HonDame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, who also serves as PNZ Patron. The Brazilian-born IPC President will also assist with the presentation of PNZ Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM and also meet members of the PNZ Athletes' Council and Staff Team. On Friday (23 May) – his final full day in Aotearoa New Zealand – he will attend the PNZ Athletes' Council meeting, as well as watch and present Para swimming medals at the New Zealand Swimming Championships hosted at the Sir Owen G Glenn Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium. He will fly out of Auckland to Vanuatu on Saturday (24 May) morning as part of his ongoing tour of the Oceania region. Paralympics NZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'It is a huge honour and a privilege for the IPC President Andrew Parsons to be here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Paralympic Games are the third largest global sporting event in the world behind the Olympic Games and FIFA Football World Cup. The IPC President's time here will shine a light on the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of the Paralympic Games and Para sport, which will help us in our quest for a fully inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand.' IPC President Andrew Parsons said of his upcoming visit to New Zealand: 'I'm really excited to be visiting Paralympics New Zealand, a nation with a rich Paralympic history and heritage that regularly punches above its weight in all areas on the world stage. 'During my visit I'm eager to learn more about Paralympics New Zealand's work to better understand the challenges they are facing and also take in some of their key learnings that have consistently made them one of the best performing nations per capita at the Paralympic Games. 'As with every visit, I'm also keen to meet Para athletes who are the beating heart of the Paralympic Movement.' Notes: About the New Zealand Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
IPC President Andrew Parsons Set For Historic Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons is set to be proudly hosted by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) during an historic tour of Aotearoa New Zealand this week. Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. Experiencing his second time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most influential person in the global Paralympic Movement will later on Wednesday morning fly to Wellington where he will be welcomed by Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle and Sport NZ colleagues, before attending a meeting with Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. On Thursday, the IPC President since 2017 will be present at a Corporate Breakfast in central Auckland which will feature a panel of three Paralympians – #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM – and an invited list of key strategic and commercial partners, stakeholders and guests. He will later attend a private meeting with the Governor General of New Zealand, Her Excellency the Rt HonDame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, who also serves as PNZ Patron. The Brazilian-born IPC President will also assist with the presentation of PNZ Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM and also meet members of the PNZ Athletes' Council and Staff Team. On Friday (23 May) – his final full day in Aotearoa New Zealand – he will attend the PNZ Athletes' Council meeting, as well as watch and present Para swimming medals at the New Zealand Swimming Championships hosted at the Sir Owen G Glenn Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium. He will fly out of Auckland to Vanuatu on Saturday (24 May) morning as part of his ongoing tour of the Oceania region. Paralympics NZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'It is a huge honour and a privilege for the IPC President Andrew Parsons to be here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Paralympic Games are the third largest global sporting event in the world behind the Olympic Games and FIFA Football World Cup. The IPC President's time here will shine a light on the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of the Paralympic Games and Para sport, which will help us in our quest for a fully inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand.' IPC President Andrew Parsons said of his upcoming visit to New Zealand: 'I'm really excited to be visiting Paralympics New Zealand, a nation with a rich Paralympic history and heritage that regularly punches above its weight in all areas on the world stage. 'During my visit I'm eager to learn more about Paralympics New Zealand's work to better understand the challenges they are facing and also take in some of their key learnings that have consistently made them one of the best performing nations per capita at the Paralympic Games. 'As with every visit, I'm also keen to meet Para athletes who are the beating heart of the Paralympic Movement.' Notes: About the New Zealand Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.
