Latest news with #ParalympicsNewZealand
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Hall selected for record-equalling sixth Paralympics
Adam Hall celebrates with his bronze medal from the para alpline skiing super combined standing at the last Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing. Otago Paralympian Adam Hall has been selected for his sixth Paralympic Winter Games in Italy next year. The Dunedin born skier will race in the men's slalom standing and men's giant slalom standing in Milano Cortina from March 6-15. Hall is set to join Graham Condon and Michael Johnson as a record-equalling six-time Paralympian. Hall, who was born with spina bifida, won gold in the men's slalom standing in 2010 and 2018. He also won bronze in the men's super combined standing in 2018 and 2022 and bronze in the men's slalom standing in 2022. 'Winning selection for my sixth Paralympic Winter Games is an immense honour that reflects both my dedication to the sport, but also more importantly the unwavering support of my family, friends, Snowsports NZ, HPSNZ and Paralympics New Zealand,'' Hall said. Defending men's downhill sitting champion Corey Peters has also been named. Peters won gold in the men's downhill sitting in 2022, adding to the bronze he won in 2018. He also won silver in the men's giant slalom sitting in 2014 and 2022.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- 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.
Otago Daily Times
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Initiative ‘fantastic' chance to learn
John Marrable is always looking for ways to improve. The Dunedin para athlete recently wrapped up his time as part of the second intake for the para sport collective, a Paralympics New Zealand initiative to provide more support for athletes. The collective involved three in-person camps and monthly Zoom sessions over the past year, with topics including skills, nutrition, mental resilience, recovery and injuries. A range of sports, including shooting, taekwondo, equestrian, snowboarding and swimming were covered. Marrable was one of three table tennis players among the cohort, and each athlete worked through personalised performance programmes. "I'm grateful to Table Tennis New Zealand for putting my name forward to be part of the para sport collective and also the New Zealand coach John Tuki,"Marrable said. "They've been really good support." Marrable, who has been involved in para sport since an accident as a child left him in a wheelchair, relished being part of the collective and listening to Paralympians share their stories. "I've been involved in para sport almost ever since I had an accident, so a lot of it was great to get reinforced where I'm heading and then also up-skilled with a lot of the changes in dietary requirements or that type of thing." Programmes such as the para collective were important for all athletes but especially in para sport as there was the "added challenge of having your disability or impairment". Being able to bounce ideas off athletes who fundamentally understood what others went through, and had various different strategies for travelling with additional equipment or helping their bodies respond in different situations, was invaluable. "It was just fantastic meeting other like-minded people." Marrable is part of the New Zealand para table tennis development squad and hopes to be included in the Oceania championships in Auckland later this year. He is also a seventh dan in karate. "The two sports really go hand in hand, because through the karate you're doing your stretching, your aerobic work, plus reaction time. "Then of course with the table tennis I'm doing the ball skills and stretching." Marrable has tried his hand at countless sports through the years. He felt New Zealand had always had great representation at the Paralympics and world championships. But there had been great improvements across the board, and ParaFed Otago and the Halberg Foundation played a big role in helping get more youth involved. "As the sports improved, the athletes have had to improve and really it's people's attitude as well. "Not the athletes or the coaches... but sometimes people didn't really think that the paras were serious athletes. "I think sometimes that can affect the athlete and that's, again, knowing that the opportunities are there. "Any sport you can think of can be adapted." Dunedin was fortunate to have a good athletics programmes through Athletics New Zealand para lead Raylene Bates, and strong wheelchair rugby and table tennis programmes, he said.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Sharman And Scott-Vincent Receive Order Of Merit Pins From IPC President
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand 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.'
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Sharman And Scott-Vincent Receive Order Of Merit Pins From IPC President
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand 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.'
