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20 May 2013
Swimming stars heading to World Championships
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to announce their team for the IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal, Canada from 12 – 18 August.

Six of the seven strong team had outstanding performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games – making this one of the strongest teams NZ has sent to an event such as this.

The team is headlined by Paralympic stars Sophie Pascoe and Mary Fisher – multi medal winners and world record holders. They are joined by Paralympic medallists Cameron Leslie and Daniel Sharp. Paralympians Nikita Howarth (NZ’s youngest ever Paralympian) and Daniel Holt have high hopes of building on their London performances.

An exciting addition to the team is newcomer Jesse Reynolds. At just 16 years of age Jesse is looking to gain invaluable experience from this event.

The team will be lead by new Head Swim Performance Coach – Jon Shaw. Shaw started in his role on Monday 20 May. He says, “We are very excited about this team as we believe we have a great depth of experience and enthusiasm,” he continues, “this event will provide a great testing ground to see where our performances sit on the international stage. We believe we have a high chance of success following on from the results at the NZ Swimming Championships.”

Full team list includes:

- Paralympics New Zealand

15 May 2013
Shooting team announced for top international event
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to announce their team for the IPC Shooting World Cup to be held in Great Britain from 1 – 4 July 2013. The event will take place at Stoke Mandeville – the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement .

The team will be lead by Paralympic Bronze medallist Michael Johnson. Michael has only just returned from Germany where he had an outstanding performance at the International Shooting Competition Hanover (ISCH) winning two Gold medals.

Michael said, “I am happy with my success in Germany,” he continues, “and this is driving me forward with my training. I have high aspirations for the World Cup event and bringing home medals for NZ.”

Michael will be joined by experienced shooters Greg Reid and Grant Philip who have represented New Zealand in the past. The team of five also includes some new faces – Robert Smith and Phillip Skinner. This is the first international competition for these athletes and they will be looking to the gain valuable experience as we head towards Rio.

Malcolm Humm (High Performance Director, PNZ) says, “This is a great team and one of the largest NZ Shooting teams to be sent internationally. This is reflective of the work that has been going on for some time behind the scenes to identify and develop athletes within the sport of Shooting,” he continues, “the input of our experienced shooters have been invaluable and has shown our newcomers what it takes to succeed in this complex sport where the difference between gold and sliver on the international stage is less than 1 millimetre.”

PNZ currently has a large pool of both development and performance athletes from around the country and as part of the strategy to grow the sport will be hosting a PNZ Performance Camp in Auckland with seven NZ Shooters attending from 20 – 24 May. NZ Shooters will then get to put their training to the test, and match themselves against the Australians, at the NZ Cup 1 Event held in Mt Eden, Auckland from 25 - 26 May.

Full team list includes:

- Paralympics New Zealand

15 May 2013
Bike team announced for top international Paracycling events
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to announce their team for the UCI Paracycling Road World Cup and Road World Championships to be held in Canada from 23 – 25 August and 29 August – 1 September 2013 respectively.

The 10 strong team is a mix of highly experienced cyclists joined by several young and developing athletes.

The team is headlined by Paralympic stars Phillipa Gray and Laura Fairweather (pilot), and Fiona Southorn. Phillipa and Laura took the trifecta at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with outstanding performances that included a world record. Fiona won bronze in the 3km Pursuit and was New Zealand’s first medallist in London.

While the team also includes a number of names that may not be so familiar in the Paracycling world there is one that is very familiar within Paralympic sport. Former Paralympic track star and silver medallist (2008) Kate Horan has recently moved into cycling and is very excited about her selection for these two great events.

“I’m loving the new challenge that cycling has brought,” she continues, “I’m very excited to be selected for my first Para-Cycling World Champs.”

The team includes a number of talented hand cyclists such as Tiffiney Perry, Jonathan Nelson and Brendon Stratton who qualified after strong performances at the recent Australian Para-Cycling Road Nationals. Tim Williams concludes this strong group after outstanding performances at the BikeNZ Club Road National Champs.

Emma Foy and Gabrielle Vurmunt (pilot) are the newest members of the team. Emma was introduced to the tandem programme in February and is already showing outstanding potential.

Brendon Cameron (Bike Head Performance Coach) says, “We are very excited about this team as we believe we have a great mix of experience and enthusiasm,” he continues, “this team highlights the recent work that has been done following on from London to ensure that we have developing athletes coming through. Competing at international events such as these are vital on our road to Rio.”

Full team list includes:

- Paralympics New Zealand

14 May 2013
Athletes continue to perform… RESULTS WRAP
It has been a busy couple of months for Paralympic sport with a number of athletes competing nationally and internationally. These athletes range from medal winning Paralympians to new and developing athletes. They competed in shooting, cycling, swimming and wheelchair rugby events.

March saw outstanding performances at the New Zealand Swimming Championships including Sophie Pascoe and Mary Fisher setting world records. Pascoe clocked 29.21 seconds in the 50m butterfly, which broke her previous world record of 29.57s set at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Fellow London Gold medallist Fisher was timed at 34.35s in the same event to break her own world record of 35.12 which she also set in London. Full results can be found at http://www.swimmingnz.org.nz/results/?mt_id=72

The New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby team (known as Te Waka Hou) were in action in Germany. They performed well with a fourth place in the Champions League.

April saw action across a selection of sports including shooting, cycling and athletics. Mike Johnson (shooting) had an outstanding performance at the International Shooting Competition Hanover (ISCH). He won Gold in the Standing with 634.7 and a final of 211.9. Mike then backed up this performance by winning another Gold in The Prone. His finals score of 214.9 (average shot score of 10.74) was a truly remarkable performance. Official results can be found at http://www.nssv-hannover.de/nssv_jo/index.php/ergebnisse-isch 

Two further London Paralympians lead the way on the world stage in the sport of cycling. Phillipa Gray and Laura Fairweather competed in the Greenville Para-cycling Open 2013 on 20th – 21st of April winning both the Women’s B Road Race and the Women’s B Time Trial. This is a fantastic result on the course that will be the home of the 2014 Para-Cycling Road World Championships in August. Full results and details can be found at http://www.greenvillesc2014.com/2013Open.aspx 

While some of our Paralympians were on a bike Anthea Gunner and her horse Don competed in Mannheim, Germany. She finished her final test with a score of 67.9% and took 4th place. Congratulations to the team and all the very best of luck for your next competition at the CPEDI 3* in Roosendaal, Netherlands!

Our London based Paralympian Tim Prendergast took part in the London Marathon on the 21st of April. He placed 11th in the T11 – 13 classification with a time of 2:48.34. Tim thoroughly enjoyed the experience of this landmark event and his first ever marathon.

A little closer to home and a strong team of eight cyclists competed in Queenstown at the NZ Club Road Nationals from the 18th – 21st of April. Highlights on the 18th of April included Tim Williams winning the 14km Hand-cycling Time Trial and Kate Horan winning the 25km Para-cycling Time Trial. Day two of Para-cycling competition (21st of April) saw Shane Hall win the 30km Hand-cycling Road Race and Stephen Hill win the 52km Para-cycling Men’s Road Race. Full results and details can be found at http://www.bikenz.org.nz/Category?Action=View&Category_id=233 

The upcoming months promise to bring a lot of action for New Zealand athletes with Winter Games NZ in Queenstown, IPC World Swimming Champs in Canada, IPC Athletics World Champs, Para-Cycling Road World Champs, Boccia Tournament in Sydney and Goalball athletes heading to Asia/Pacific Champs in Beijing.

- Paralympics New Zealand

14 May 2013
Your Paralympians - Autumn Highlights
Your Paralympic athletes have been busy training, competing and enjoying life. Read on to find out more…

Cameron Leslie, Swimming – I’ve been taking time management to another level balancing working with being a Paralympic athlete. While continuing work at the Northern Advocate in Whangarei, I qualified for the World Championships and travelled to Germany with a New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby team.

Jan Apel, Sailing - This autumn I've been recuperating from foot surgery but I've been able to maintain some sailing training in a Liberty (one-person, two sail) boat. I did reasonably well in my first Liberty regatta when I competed in the Waller Cup, held in Auckland. My air-rifle and pistol shooting training has continued since my return from the London Games and I've been coerced into trying Curling.....I feel cold already!

Mary Fisher, Swimming - Recently I've been logging up training at the pool and gym in Wellington, racing at NZ champs in Auckland and concentrating on my butterfly events. We recently acquired a new flatmate, and have been jamming with our growing collection of instruments!

Daniel Holt, Swimming - Recently I have been making the most of the long summer going on day trips to beaches and bush walks. When I am not doing that I have been training hard towards worlds and continuing my studies.

Mike Johnson, Shooting - I've just gotten back from my adventure in Germany where I was competing in Hannover at the I.S.C.H, they had 1300 starts and it's a mixture of able-bodied and disabled shooters. I won two gold medals and shot a final score of 214.9 which is an average of 10.7 per shot, the maximum is 10.9. The great thing about it was that this was done with the new scoring system which has only been introduced this year where all eight finalists start back at zero and have an equal chance of winning a medal. I'm hoping this result will build towards a successful shoot at the upcoming World Cup in London, July this year.

Phillipa Gray, Cycling - April has been a successful month on the bike, first up was the Grape Ride in Blenheim, a charity event with over 2,500 entries. My partner Sean and I teamed up on the tandem with a record number of 22 other tandems. We finished first in the mixed tandem over 100km and Second outright tandem with a time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, which was 15 minutes faster than the time we set last year. Secondly Laura and I paired up on the tandem to have our first ride together since London Paralympic Games to race in a P1 event in Greenville, South Carolina. We successfully held off the challenges from the international field and brought home Gold in the Road Time Trial and Gold in the Road Race after a thrilling sprint finish to the line.

Laura Fairweather, Cycling – As the sighted pilot to Phillipa Gray we recently competed in Greenville, South Carolina. I was thrilled with our two Gold medals and hope to be back there in August for the Para-Cycling Road World Championships.

Fiona Southorn, Cycling - What an awesome summer for road cycling, and new challenges. I completed the BDO Wellington to Auckland 7 day cycle race in 24 hrs coming 4th overall and 1st in my age by 5 hours. Awesome scenery and I also made some wonderful friends. Next up was the 4 day tour of Northland where I surprised myself getting 2nd overall. These events set me up for a great NZ Road Nationals in Queenstown, getting the fastest time in the 25km road Time Trial. What a pretty place in the Autumn - thermals were a must!.

- Paralympics New Zealand

13 May 2013
Boccia New Zealand looking for help
Boccia New Zealand are aiming for their high performance athletes to get back to the top and excel on the world stage. To do this they are looking for financial support. If you or someone you know can help them out click on the link below and get in touch with them.

To find out more click here

  
- Boccia New Zealand

 
17 Apr 2013
Paralympics New Zealand announces Bike Performance Coach
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has secured the services of Paralympic cycling coach Jono Hailstone as Bike Performance Coach.

Hailstone, who most recently coached Fiona Southorn to an outstanding bronze medal performance at the London 2012 Paralymic Games, has had many successes as a cycling coach. In 2011 he was the New Zealand National Junior Road Cycling Coach. Under his tutelage his athletes achieved Junior World Championship placings and Australian National titles.

Hailstone has a passion for Paralympic cycling and development of his athletes. He has a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (Exercise Science) and is looking forward to continuing to work with Bike Head Performance Coach Brendon Cameron, to grow the talent base within Paralympic cycling in New Zealand.

PNZ High Performance Director Malcolm Humm is delighted to have secured Hailstone as part of this strong coaching team.

“Jono’s knowledge of Paralympic cycling that he gained from his experiences with the London campaign will be invaluable to our programme leading up to Rio 2016,” he continues, “his knowledge and skills will ensure that our athletes have the best possible leadership and support.”

Mr Hailstone himself was equally excited by signing with PNZ.

“New Zealand Paralympic cycling is going from strength to strength and I am very excited about building on that success. Our focus will continue to extend to development athletes coming through the programme and build the number of high performance para-cyclists in New Zealand,” said Hailstone.

Jono Hailstone commenced his role in January 2013.

- Paralympics New Zealand

8 Apr 2013
Mary Fisher (swimming) shortlisted for IPC Athlete of the Month
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced its shortlist for March's Athlete of the Month award, and the public can now vote for the winner via the poll on www.paralympic.org 

This is your opportunity to get behind Mary Fisher from Wellington who been shortlisted. You now have until 12:00 (CEST) on 12 April to vote.

Mary Fisher broke world records in both the women's 50m butterfly S11 and 100m butterfly S11 events at the New Zealand Open Swimming Championships. She was also the winner of the People's Choice Award at the New Zealand Swimming Awards - an honour never won before by an athlete with an impairment.

Photo Credit: Simon Watts - www.bwp.co.nz  

Other finalists for March's Athlete of the Month include:

- Alexandra Frantseva (Russia): The visually impaired athlete had a top performance at the IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals in Sochi, Russia, winning the World Cup titles in the slalom, giant slalom and speed events, as well as the women's visually impaired overall rankings.

- Andrea Eskau (Germany): In addition to winning three golds and a bronze at the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships, Eskau finished her season in first place in the women's sitting class of the IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup rankings.

- Frank Rennhack (Germany): As the team captain, Rennhack fronted a gold-medal victory for Germany at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World
Championships B-Pool, recording six goals and an assist.

- Kazuhiro Takahashi (Japan): Takahashi was the leading scorer at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships B-Pool, leading his team to a silver medal with eight goals and assist at the tournament.

- Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina): The wheelchair tennis rising star won back-to-back ITF 1 Series titles, winning the Pensacola Open and Cajun
Classic, beating world No. 2 Stephane Houdet of France in both events.

- Paralympics New Zealand

28 Mar 2013
Paralympics New Zealand announces Head Swim Performance Coach for Rio 2016
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has secured the services of renowned Paralympic swim coach Jon Shaw as Head Swim Performance Coach through to the end of 2016 including the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Shaw, who has most recently led the University of the Sunshine Coast High Performance Paralympic Program as Head Coach, has coached athletes to Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games. Under his tutelage his athletes have won numerous medals in both Beijing and London. The highlights include Rick Pendleton winning 2 gold in Beijing and 2 bronze in London; Blake Cochrane, 2 golds and Michael Anderson, 1 gold in London. He also contributed to the programme of Ellie Cole, who successfully won 4 golds in London.

Shaw’s impressive coaching resume highlights his passion for Paralympic swimming with a focus not only on athletes but also the development and support of coaches. Mr Shaw who has a Master of Education (Coach Education) degree is looking forward to growing the coaching talent within Paralympic swimming as part of his new role.

PNZ Chief Executive Ross Halpin is delighted to have secured Shaw through to the next Paralympic Games.

“Jon’s leadership skills and knowledge of what it takes to win gold medals at the Paralympic Games are key attributes that he will contribute over the next four years,” he said.

“With the PNZ High Performance Swim Programme under his direction I am confident that it will continue to grow and win gold medals on the world stage.”

Mr Shaw himself was equally excited by signing with PNZ.

“New Zealand Paralympic swimming is going from strength to strength and I am very excited about building on that success. With numerous world records and personal bests set last week at the NZ Swimming Championships things are looking very promising on the road to Rio. Our focus will continue to extend to development athletes coming through the programme and build the number of high performance para-swimmers in New Zealand,” said Shaw.

Jon Shaw will commence his role in May.

- Paralympics New Zealand

25 Mar 2013
PNZ to host Talent Identification Swim Camp
The PNZ Swimming Talent ID Camp will be held in Timaru on the 8th – 9th June 2013.

The swim camp is targeted towards disabled swimmers who are looking to join the PNZ Swimming Development Programme. The weekend will provide an opportunity for new swimmers to find out more about Paralympics New Zealand and for our coaches to observe swimmers in the water and provide feedback.

The camp is targeted at swimmers between 8–24 years of age, who can swim lengths confidently, and have an interest in getting involved at a competitive swimming level. However consideration will be given to anyone who is interested – regardless of age, ability, or potential goals.

For more information click the link below and to express an interest in attending, contact Hadleigh Pierson by emailing hpierson@paralympics.org.nz or by mobile 021 847 820.

To read more click here

- Paralympics New Zealand
 

19 Mar 2013
Pascoe and Fisher Break World Records
Paralympians Sophie Pascoe and Mary Fisher set world records on the third morning of the New Zealand swimming championships in Auckland this morning.

The 20-year-old Pascoe, who has collected 10 medals at the Paralympic Games, clocked 29.21 seconds in the 50m butterfly, which broke her previous world record of 29.57s set at the Paralympics in London.

Her fellow London gold medallist Fisher, 20, from Wellington's Capital Club, was timed at 34.35s in the same event to break her own world record of 35.12 which she also set in London.

To read more click here

- New Zealand Herald
 

19 Mar 2013
Talented Paralympian swim star rewarded with NZ Herald Future Stars award
The Future Stars awards have acknowledged talent in a huge variety of sports since 1968.

This year saw Paralympian swimmer Mary Fisher, along with 5 other athletes announced as the six Future Stars for this year.

The judges, New Zealand Olympic Committee president Mike Stanley, two-time Olympian Alison Fitch, Herald sports editor Chris Allen and writer Terry Maddaford, were again encouraged by the calibre of the nominations in a year when there was no standout but many who had already performed with distinction internationally.

Fisher, who turned 20 in January, was one of the stars of the New Zealand team at the London Paralympic Games.

Fisher, who swims for the Capital Swim Club in Wellington and for 10 years set her sights on the pinnacle of her sport, won gold in the 200m individual medley, setting a world and Paralympic record of 2m 46.91s.

She backed that golden swim with silver in the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke, bronze in the 50m freestyle, fourth in the 400m freestyle and a world record for the 50m butterfly en route to her medley victory.

The winners receive $1500 training grants from the Herald and a product prize. The winners, their parents and coaches will be guests at an awards function next month.

- New Zealand Herald
 
 12 Mar 2013
Paratriathlon a Huge Success in Wellington
Interest, participation and profile in Paratriathlon continues to grow as does the quality of the elite athletes, as was evidenced at the Oceania and National Championships held in Wellington over the weekend.

The small Paratri entry list was given an extra boost with the inclusion of Paralympic swimming star Mary Fisher and former Paralympic track runner Kate Horan. Fisher competed at the London Games last year, winning 4 medals including gold and a world record in the pool while Horan won silver on the track in Beijing in 2008.

Fisher loved every minute of her race and while she wasn’t eligible to pick up the Oceania title as she was participating with a male guide, she showed enough promise to suggest if she ever wanted to switch from the pool, she would be a contender at the Paratri in Rio 2016.

Horan only decided to compete on the Thursday before the event, after reading an article on Fisher’s participation in the Dominion Post newspaper. She too loved taking part, albeit without quite the preparation she might otherwise have given it.

Paratri star Nick Ruane was again a strong performer in the T3 category as he continues on his road to Rio and looked to enjoy the extra company on the start line, while Nick Bailey backed up from IRONMAN NZ the week before to finish first in the T4 category, ahead of a very nervous but proud first time competitor Drew McLean from Dunedin. The smile on McLean’s face when collecting his silver medal more than made up for the nervous looks on the start line as he contemplated his first ever ocean swim.

Triathlon New Zealand Inclusion Manager Shanelle Barrett was delighted with the event.

“With the help of the Halberg Trust Triathlon New Zealand is making a concerted effort to provide pathways in our sport for athletes with disabilities. Today we saw the potential at the very top level of the sport with the inclusion of Mary and Kate on the start line and the continued development in the career of Nick Ruane as he targets a place on the start line in Rio in 2016.

“These athletes along with Nick and Drew inspire us all with their dedication and commitment to the sport, never letting anything get in the way of their enjoyment or pursuit of success. They are also great role models for children and other age group athletes with disabilities around New Zealand to aspire to; Triathlon New Zealand is working on those pathways to encourage everyone regardless of age, background or ability to be equally brave and take part in this wonderful sport.”

Contact National Paratri Championships and Oceania Paratri Championships
Wellington - March 9 2013

* Fisher not eligible for national honours due to participating with a male guide
 
- Tri NZ
 

12 Mar 2013
Vote for the People’s Choice Swimming NZ winner!
Saturday 23rd March will see the winners of the 2013 Swimming New Zealand Awards announced.

Congratulations to Paralympians Mary Fisher, Nikita Howarth and Sophie Pascoe – finalists in the Swimmer of the Year with a Disability category. Also represented in the Club Coach of the Year category is Roly Crichton – long standing coach of Sophie Pascoe.

These Awards also provide the opportunity for the public to vote and support our Paralympians, finalists in the People’s Choice Award. Voting closes on 15 March. You can vote on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/swimawards) or through this link (http://www.swimmingnz.org.nz/state-insurance-swimming-new-zealand-peoples-choice-award-2013)

For further details visit www.swimmingnz.org.nz

- Paralympics New Zealand
 
 
8 Mar 2013
Bronze for Carl Murphy at Paralympic Test Event
The first of team New Zealand’s two Winter Paralympic test events went exceptionally well yesterday (7 March) with a solid performance by Wanaka adaptive snowboarder cross rider Carl Murphy, resulting in a bronze medal finish.

The team is in Sochi, Russia competing on the courses which will be used for the 2014 Winter Paralympic Games.

The USA's Evan Strong picked up gold ahead of his teammate Mike Shea.

Speaking on the event, Carl Murphy commented that “It was a great course and fun to ride and it flowed really well. I set myself some clear goals going into the competition today, I knew where I was at and what I had to do.”

The Paralympic test events are a valuable opportunity for athletes to take a first-hand look at the facilities and fields of play while also providing a good gauge of the international competitive level. Racing was exceptionally tight with the top three riders placed within 0.6 seconds of one another after two combined times.

“Carl had a great race and it was encouraging to see that he is definitely on track for his goals at the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi,” remarked his coach Adam Dooney. Murphy makes no secret of the fact that he has his sights set on winning a Paralympic gold medal.

“Taking bronze today shows that we have got work to do but that we are well on track for success in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games back here in a year’s time,” continued Dooney. “Now that we have been on the track, and seen what the terrain is like we have a good understanding of how and where we can make up time over the next few months.”

Snowboarder Cross will be included in the Paralympic programme for the first time in 2014.

“A lot of work has gone into getting this sport to the stage that it has been recognised and included as a Paralympic sport,” says Jon Turnbull, who will act as the New Zealand Chef de Mission at the 2014 Paralympic Games. “Great energy has been put in by the US and Canada and in particular by New Zealand both prior to and during this event.

“The Sochi organising committee and the International Paralympic Committee did a great job in making the test event a success. Sochi is an awesome place – spectacular mountains, friendly fun people and the engineering endeavours astounding. It should be a fantastic Games in a year’s time!”

Carl Murphy will now travel to a race in Slovenia and then on to Canada at the end of March. While the rest of the New Zealand contingent will turn their attention to the second phase of the Paralympic test events with alpine skiing this week. Adam Hall will compete in the Super G, Super Combined and Slalom events.

“The alpine course is on a steep and challenging hill and should be an exciting event,” says Turnbull. “Adam is champing at the bit to get stuck into this hill and event!”

- Snow Sports New Zealand

7 Mar 2013
New Zealand Athletes Prepare for Sochi 2014 - One year to go
The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Sochi, Russia from 7 – 16 March 2014 and with only one year to go, New Zealand’s top adaptive snow sports athletes are fully focussed on their goals. Adaptive skier Adam Hall and para-snowboarder Carl Murphy have travelled to Sochi to compete at a Paralympic test event and take a first-hand look at some impressive new facilities.

The Sochi 2014 Organising committee have not only designed a spectator-orientated Olympic Games but the facilities and athlete villages have been designed with the Paralympics at the forefront of their plans.

Snow Sports NZ’s Winter Performance Programme Director, Ashley Light has recently been in Sochi and shares his impressions.

“Whilst there is still work to do, Sochi is the first Paralympic city to develop two separate villages,” he says. “Unlike most Games where the para-athletes move into the Olympic village, in 2014 the Paralympians will move into their own specially built facility.

“As long as the building stays on track the Paralympians will have a facility worthy of their performances.”

“I am sure it will all be a great experience and am really looking forward to it,” says para-snowboarder Carl Murphy.”

“I’m really looking forward to racing on the venue for the 2014 Paralympics,” says Adam Hall.

Both Hall and Murphy have set themselves very clear performance goals, for the test event and the Games in one year’s time, and neither of them is in Sochi simply for the experience.

“My goal is for a podium finish,” says Murphy, “and preferably gold...”

“I know I can do it, it will just come down to who is fastest on the day. It is so close in the top six riders anything can happen!”

Snow Sports NZ’s Jon Turnbull, who will be the New Zealand Chef de Mission at the Sochi Paralympic Games in 2014, is also in Russia for the test event.   “We are amped to get to Sochi,” he says. “By all accounts it’s going to be a super-fast hill with lots of terrain and a very technical hill and this will suit Adam.

“Having been to Sochi before, coming back after a year of construction and development I’m excited to see the fantastic venues we will be testing this year and using during the Games.”

A Will to Win

Adam Hall was diagnosed at birth with spina bifida – a disability that typically leaves sufferers in a wheelchair. Adam says he’s “lucky” because he is mobile and able to walk. Adam thrives on a constant diet of winter - his recipe for turning adversity into triumph.

Adam began snowboarding at the age of nine and admits to being a snowboarder at heart; however, such was his determination to represent his country at the Paralympic Games, and with snowboarding not at that time a Paralympic sport, he switched to skiing. A mere 18 months later he represented New Zealand at the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games in Torino. With talent and determination aplenty Adam was clearly destined for success and in 2010 he claimed the gold medal in standing slalom at the Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games.

Sochi 2014 will be the third time Adam has represented his country at the Paralympic level and his medal prospects are looking hopeful. He has posted a string of podium results so far this season including six first place finishes.

A New Paralympic Discipline

While alpine skiing was one of the foundation sports at the first Winter Paralympics in 1976 with slalom and giant slalom events being held, para-snowboarding will be on the programme for the first time in 2014.

“This is something a lot of people have been pushing for a long time,” says Carl Murphy. “Para-snowboarding being included in 2014 is massive for me personally and for the sport.

“Being 33 it may be my one and only shot at competing at the total pinnacle of the sport and after working so hard for the past six years I have high expectations of myself to win gold in 2014.

“I always dreamed of representing New Zealand but as snowboarding wasn’t (until now) included in the Games I didn’t really expect to ever get the chance. Now it is in the 2014 Games I will do everything I can to bring home gold for myself, my country and my family.”

If recent form is anything to go by, Carl has a strong chance of realising his dream. At his first event of the 2013 northern hemisphere season Carl claimed two golds at the International Paralympic Committee race at Landgraaf in The Netherlands. The 2012 northern hemisphere season saw a string of podium finishes including a silver at the Para-Snowboard World Championships. He also competed at the prestigious Winter X Games, where he finished in fourth place.

“I was born with only one and a half legs; however, this hasn't stopped me from getting up on a snowboard and competing at an international level,” says Carl.

A History of Success

New Zealand has won a total of 27 Winter Paralympic Games medals since first competing in 1980. Both Carl and Adam say they have been inspired by New Zealand’s history of success at previous Paralympic Games and right from the early days of the Paralympic era. Adam names Rachael Battersby, Steven Bayley and Mathew Butson as Paralympic medal winners who have particularly inspired him.

“Early on, when I was skiing and snowboarding recreationally I looked up to the current teams and wanted to be like Rach, Steve and Matt. I wanted to be as successful as those athletes and to do my best to carry on the amazing reputation of the teams’ history of success.”

For further information on New Zealand’s Winter Paralympic medal history:

http://www.paralympics.org.nz/paralympicgames.htm

While both Adam and Carl look set to represent their country in Sochi in 12 months’ time they are required to meet criteria set down by Snow Sports NZ, Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Up and coming sit skier, Corey Peters is also aiming to qualify for a Paralympic spot.

- Snow Sports New Zealand

01 Mar 2013
Triathlon is for everyone
In partnership with the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, Tri NZ are proud to be forging a pathway for disabled people in triathlon. Every summer many triathlon events around the country are held that are suitable for disabled athletes so come and join us at an event near you.
 

Focused primarily on entry level beginners and children, Tri NZ offers:

• Coaching
• Paratriathlon handlers and guides
• Equipment advice
• Classification
• Event support
• Children's events
• Paratriathlon events
• Paralympic Games

If you are interested please contact Shanelle Barrett at inclusion@triathlon.org.nz or visit www.triathlon.org.nz for more information.
 
To view the Paratriathlon Flyer click here

- Tri NZ

01 Mar 2013
Contact Tri Schools - National Schools Triathlon Championships 2013
The National Schools Triathlon Championships will be held in Pegasus, Christchurch on Thursday 21 March 2013.

The event allows athletes of all levels to take part, racing over distances that are suitable for their age. Disabled athletes are welcome and the athletes can chose which level they want to race at (can compete in a shorter distance if they prefer).

Disabled categories will be established once all entries have been received. A teams event is also on offer, so athletes can take part with their friends by completing one discipline each.

For more information and to register your interest, please contact Kate Blood on 027 626 2336 or schoolstri@triathlon.org.nz

You must register your interest before Tuesday, 19 March, 2013.

To enter visit http://regonline.activeglobal.com/builder/site/default.aspx?EventID=895394.

- Tri NZ

28 Feb 2013
ParaFed Auckland Shooting Regionals
The ParaFed Auckland Shooting Regionals will be held on Saturday 16 March 2013 at the ParaFed Auckland Shooting Club Range in Mt Eden, Auckland.

The competition will include Air Rifle Prone, Air Rifle Standing and Air Pistol events. For more information and to enter email Robert Berger at robert@missioncontrol.net.nz.

- ParaFed Auckland

27 Feb 2013
World Champs Podium Encouraging for Adam Hall Ahead of Paralympic Test Event
The New Zealand team has finished on a high at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Championships in La Molina, Spain. Adaptive skiers Adam Hall (Dunedin) and Corey Peters (New Plymouth) were amongst the field of 120 skiers from 28 countries competing in the event which is the last major international Championships ahead of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

After a tough start to the week, with heavy snowfalls and brutally cold winds delaying and cancelling races, the New Zealand contingent has come away from La Molina with a respectable bronze for Adam Hall in the men’s slalom standing class and a sterling 10th place finish in men’s GS sitting class in his first World Champs from new-comer Corey Peters.

Adam Hall placed ninth in the men’s standing Super G and Super Combined while Corey Peters placed 22nd in the men’s sitting Super-G event.

The men’s standing slalom event was a real battle to the end, with many skiers struggling with the conditions. Of the 28 competitors who started the first run, eight competitors failed to finish whilst three were disqualified. Going into the second and final run, just 0.10 seconds separated France’s defending world champion Vincent Gauthier Manuel in first and New Zealand’s Adam Hall in third place.

“Adam Hall skied well if not a little conservatively during these World Champs,” reports Snow Sports NZ’s Jon Turnbull who will be the New Zealand Chef de Mission at the Sochi Paralympic Games in 2014. “With Sochi set firmly in his mind Adam came here to get business done,” says Turnbull. “He did what was needed to reach the podium and, more importantly, identify what is needed to take things to the next level in Sochi.”

“It was great to be back on the podium this week,” comments Hall. “This is only my second World Champs podium so it is very special to me. I’m really looking forward to getting to Sochi next week for World Cup Finals and racing on the venue for the 2014 Paralympics.”

Corey Peters is proving himself as an emerging talent in the sit-ski category. “Corey made his coaches and support team proud this week, not just by his outstanding result in GS today, but by his performance and tactical presence on the hill,” says Turnbull. “He and coach, Scott Olson, had a solid plan through inspection and Corey stuck to the plan – getting through the tough sections, which were tossing good racers out of the course left right and centre, and attacking the flats like a veteran skier.”

The 2013 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships event is the first of four major stepping stones for the New Zealand team as they look towards the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games. “It has been an invaluable experience for us all and despite some challenges we came away with superb results,” says Turnbull.

Coach Scott Olson, who has been working with Adam Hall since the Vancouver Games where Hall won a gold medal, and with Corey only since the last New Zealand season says, “Corey was able to hit his mark and put a good gauge upon the talent on the world stage while the third place finish from Adam Hall demonstrates he is still a force to be reckoned with.”

“I was stoked to get a top 10 finish this week,” enthuses Corey Peters. “This was obviously my first World Champs and to get such a great result on such a steep hill was awesome. I’m excited about building on this experience over the next year, and I’d love to have the opportunity to put what I have learned this week in to practice in Sochi in 2014 if I qualify.”

Next on the agenda for the New Zealand team is the Paralympic test event in Sochi, Russia next week.

“For us the test event next week in Russia is paramount for our planning towards the main event in a year’s time,” says Turnbull. “While the competition is an important World Cup event, the experience of getting to and competing in Russia is our main focus. The terrain is exceptionally steep and the culture so very foreign. We are all excited to get there and put our mark on Russian soil.”

Full results from the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Championships in La Molina, Spain available here: www.ipcalpineskiingworlds.org.

- Snow Sports New Zealand

25 Feb 2013
Para-Cycling development goes full speed ahead towards Rio 2016
Paralympics New Zealand have staged a cycling talent identification camp at the Taranaki Cycle Park in New Plymouth as part of a search to find new athletes to join the programme ahead of Rio 2016.

Cycling proved one of New Zealand's most successful sports at London 2012 as they won four medals which consisted of a gold, a silver and two bronzes.

The outstanding performer was visually impaired rider Phillipa Gray, who alongside pilot Laura Thompson, took a gold, silver and bronze medal at the Games.

The country's other bronze medal was won by Fiona Southorn and Paralympic New Zealand is looking to build on their success in London 2012 by recruiting more talent ahead of Rio 2016.

"This camp highlights that para-cycling is a sport that is a great option for a number of disabled athletes," said Paralympics New Zealand Cycling Programme Director Brendon Cameron.

"The identification of athletes through development camps such as this one are a key part of our build up to Rio."

The Taranaki Cycle Park, where the camp was staged, is a new facility that features an outdoor velodrome and enclosed road circuit.

There were 12 athletes invited to attend the camp and experience cycling.

It included coaching and advice, endurance testing, cycling sessions on the road and track, specialised para-cycling equipment, cycling with experienced pilots and key information and expectations on the Paralympics New Zealand Cycling Programme.

The camp was supported by ParaFed Taranaki and Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, who recruited four of the 12 invited athletes.

To view photos on Facebook from the cycling camp click here.

- Paralympics New Zealand

25 Feb 2013
New Zealand's wounded warriors compete in international competition
The NZ Defence Force is sending three of its serving members to compete in a military equivalent of the Paralympics.

The US Marine Corps Trials over the period 1 - 6 March 2013 will see over 300 active duty, reserve and veteran Marines, as well as international military personnel, competing in a seven-sport competition to include archery, shooting, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, cycling, and track and field.

The Trials, hosted by the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, is a part of the Regiment’s ‘Warrior Athlete Reconditioning’ programme which provides activities and opportunities for wounded, ill, and injured Marines to train as athletes. It works towards increasing their strength so they can continue with military service or develop healthy habits for life outside the service.

As well as competing, the NZ Defence Force team – who all received injuries while serving on operational missions - will observe the soldier care processes in place with the US Marine Corps in order to improve the NZ Defence Force’s understanding of rehabilitation for injured soldiers.

The team consists of Staff Sergeant Nicholas Marfell, Sergeant Mark Soper and Corporal Jason Sturley. Warrant Officer Class Two John Irving is the team manager and observer.

What NZ Defence Force Paralympics team
When 26 February – 6 March 2013
Where Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California

For more information visit www.woundedwarriorregiment.org

- Defence Communications Team

20 Feb 2013
Sport search tool helps disabled kids
Disabled children have a quick and easy way to find sports clubs that can cater for their needs thanks to a new search tool created by a local web development firm.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation's AllSports website allows kids to go online, enter their disability and location, and view the activities they're able to participate in.

It finds, for example, 24 clubs in Auckland suitable for a wheelchair-bound, intellectually disabled child.

A team of five staff at Auckland's NV Interactive spent about four months developing the website, said digital strategist Will Morris.

"We wanted to make it easy for children with disabilities to find out information about sport - how they can get involved and where they can get involved," Morris said.

He said the sports finder tool was basically a powerful search engine.

"Some disabilities make it particularly difficult for particular sports - clubs need to have a certain level of facilities," he said. "The search tool matches all of those things together."

He said the website had a "zero nil result" policy, meaning it always came up with options for a child.

Before the website was introduced the foundation ran a "paper-based" system for putting kids in touch with sports clubs that could cater for them.

He said the website had also streamlined the processes around applying for grants from the foundation.

If the search tool found an area had no suitable swimming pools, for instance, the website could then be used to apply for a grant to buy the equipment required, Morris said.

"In terms of information and funding we've almost completely brought [the foundation] into the digital age."
www.allsportsnz.co.nz

- Halberg Foundation

15 Feb 2013
Halberg Award success for Sophie Pascoe
Paralympic sport was celebrated last night at the Westpac Halberg Awards in Auckland with Sophie Pascoe taking out the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year Award. The award is a fitting end to outstanding year in 2012 for Pascoe. The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award acknowledges Pascoe’s near unbeatable performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Pascoe was New Zealand’s most prolific medallist at the London 2012 Games bringing home three gold medals, two world records, and three silver medals from her performances in the pool.

Pascoe said she was honoured to receive the Disability award, emphasising its importance to New Zealanders' outlook on sport. "I'm very humbled but this award means more than just my achievements, it's about recognising Paralympic sport," Pascoe said.

Ross Halpin (CEO, Paralympics New Zealand) said, “We are thrilled that the achievements of Paralympians have been acknowledged and celebrated here tonight,” he continues, “Sophie led the way in London and her haul of six medals shows what a true champion she is.”

Pascoe had tough competition in the category with gold medal and world record holders along side her as finalists. The finalists included Paralympians Mary Fisher, Phillipa Gray and Laura Fairweather (pilot), and Cameron Leslie.

- Paralympics New Zealand

12 Feb 2013
A Long Hot Summer - What have some of your Paralympians been doing?
Some of your Paralympic athletes have continued to compete and train over the summer, while others have had time to enjoy the sun and catch up with family and friends.

Jan Apel, Sailing
Typically there's no summer break for sailors because it’s our busy time, when we sail. For me, it was much needed foot surgery to rectify tendon difficulties so I haven't sailed this summer since 10 December and won't be allowed to sail for another few months yet.
My time has been spent in the gym, at the massage therapist or the physiotherapist and the occasional visit to the sailing simulator to see who will be coming up through the ranks. I've been able to return to air-rifle shooting and I can be found at the Range a couple of times a week. I'm trying out pistol shooting as well but my first competition showed I have a lot to learn.

Tim Dempsey, Sailing
I had a nice break with friends and family and enjoyed another Christmas through the eyes of my 3 and 5 year old boys. One of the highlights for me over the break was sailing the SKUD 18 in an open format regatta with Stephanie Hazard, who was the Skipper for the NZ 2012 Olympic Women’s match racing team.

Phillipa Gray, Cycling
The scorching heat of Victoria, Australia, bike riding and adventures amongst the tree tops sum up my summer. I have been staying with my partner and his family in Castlemaine, experiencing an Australian heat wave, phew it’s definitely been hot, but I have loved it. I have had many experiences riding my bike - conquering Mt Tarrengower has been a highlight.
Off the bike we went to the Otway tree top adventure park where we went zip lining through the treetops of the rainforest, basically a really long flying fox in a lazy boy chair, it was a great sight.

Anthea Gunner, Equestrian
No rest for me over summer! Mask has had a break after arriving home on the 29 October. We were slowly building up our fitness again and my Christmas ‘holiday’ was filled with resuming full training in preparation for Para Equestrian National Champs held last weekend. I have to say it was hard work in the blazing Canterbury sunshine! I also had the chance to do some gardening and spend time with friends and family at Christmas and New Year.

Mike Johnson, Shooting
I got back into training for the big year ahead, with three international events in Germany, United Kingdom and Spain and a new scoring system that will test shooters accuracy to the limit. There’s not rest for the wicked!

Cameron Leslie, Swimming
I started a new job as the Sports Editor at the Northern Advocate in Whangarei. Unfortunately I spent most of my summer working. However, I had lots of friends come and stay in my new house.

Tim Prendergast, Athletics
Well, 'summer' has been spent at home in London with a couple of snow showers, coupled with some cold temperatures. Training has continued as I build towards my first marathon and the IPC World Cup Marathon in April in London. Christmas was quiet but nice, spent with my wife Lisa enjoying some Pineapple Lumps and Burger Rings, thinking and chatting with the friends and family back home!

Fiona Southorn, Cycling
This year has been an amazing summer. Although I worked almost everyday who can complain when I have the Marsden Cove Marina outside my window and a great Cafe next door. I did spent numerous hours on my bike training for the W2A 7 day tour which is my real holiday, starting on the 10 Feb. It was great to have friends visiting the North swing by to say hi.
I loved the opportunity to give back to the communities by attending Xmas parades and other awards evenings and events including the invite to Government House on Waitangi Day. My highlight would be getting Northland Sportswoman of the Year Award and a nomination for the Halberg Awards, such an honour.

- Paralympics New Zealand

05 Feb 2013
Jayne Parsons retires from Cycling
Cycling champion Jayne Parsons has announced her retirement from the sport of cycling.
 

Parsons is a outstanding athlete and has achieved many impressive results including a Paralympic bronze medal and a world championship gold medal in her six years at the pinnacle of world para-cycling.

Parsons will be greatly missed within the PNZ cycling team and everyone at PNZ wishes her well in her future endeavours.

To read more click here.

- Paralympics New Zealand

04 Feb 2013
Alicante to host the 2013 IPC Shooting European Championships
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that Spanish city Alicante will host the 2013 IPC Shooting European Championships, taking place from 18-26 October.

Organised by Club Lucetum, the 2013 European Championships will be the first major gathering of international athletes since the London 2012 Paralympic Games, welcoming around 350 athletes from 35 countries.

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted that Alicante will host the IPC Shooting European Championships. Club Lucetum has an excellent track record for organising competitions to a high standard and have hosted previous IPC Shooting World Cup events in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

"They have also invested heavily in the facilities to bring them up to a high standard."

Between now and Rio 2016, the IPC is planning to develop a comprehensive competition calendar, which will see Alicante also host IPC Shooting World Cup events in 2014 and 2015, with the latter event acting as a Paralympic Games qualifier.

The European Championships will also be the first major international competition to feature new finals formats and decimal scoring (in 10m Air Rifle and 50m Prone Rifle events).

Decimal scoring will enable athletes to potentially add an extra 54 points to their overall qualification score and should prevent ties in the future. IPC Shooting has taken the decision to switch systems as part of its close relationship with the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

The new finals will see all athletes start from zero rather than carry over their qualification score. The lowest ranking athletes will be eliminated throughout the final until only the final two athletes are left in a `shoot-off' scenario to fight for first and second place.

Under the IPC Shooting Rules athletes from Africa and Oceania are allowed to take part in the event as they have no regional Championships, although results and medals will be arranged separately to European athletes.

The last IPC Shooting European Championships took place in 2007 in Suhl, Germany, with 280 athletes taking part.

For further information, please visit www.ipc-shooting.org.

- International Paralympic Committee

01 Feb 2013
Paralympic Sport will miss Sir Paul Holmes
It is with great sadness that Paralympics New Zealand farewells Sir Paul Holmes - PNZ Patron and a fantastic supporter.

Mark Copeland (Chairman, Paralympics New Zealand) says, “Sir Paul Holmes has been a key contributor to Paralympic Sport over many years and a hugely influential part of the Paralympic family,” he continues, “his support has helped to significantly raise our profile with the New Zealand public.”

Sir Paul has been a great supporter of Paralympics New Zealand and in 1996 became Patron. While competing on Dancing with the Stars he nominated Paralympics New Zealand as his charity of choice.

Sir Paul has been quoted as saying that seeing Paralympic Sport for the first time in the summer of 1980 in Holland changed his life. He then continued that involvement in 1992 when he organized and presented a documentary at the Barcelona Paralympic Games. A similar documentary was then produced at the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996.

Sydney 2000 saw the first regular TV coverage of a Paralympic Games by TVNZ. Sir Paul was the face of this coverage and presented a daily one hour show that reported each day of the Games.

In recent years he has continued to champion the organization and took great delight in the success of our athletes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

- Paralympics New Zealand

31 Jan 2013
PNZ High Performance Coordinator Appointed
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) wish to announce the recent appointment of Emily Smith as High Performance Programme Coordinator.

Smith first started work with PNZ in July 2010 when she was on work placement then graduated to a full time Administration role with PNZ in September 2011. More recently Emily has been providing support to the PNZ High Performance programme which cumulated to her appointment as a support team member to the PNZ Bike team at the pre London camp in Montichiari, Italy.

PNZ High Performance Director Malcolm Humm said Emily’s appointment comes at an opportune time when PNZ are commencing their build up for the next Paralympic cycle. He said that Emily’s previous experience with PNZ and with the High Performance programme, her support with the development of the PNZ 2013 – 2020 High Performance plan and her Bachelor Degrees in Sport and Recreation and Business make her the ideal appointment.

Smith’s role will include support with the delivery of the PNZ High Performance Plan, providing administration support to the High Performance Director, providing logistical and managerial support to PNZ Bike team, while overseeing the PNZ Drug Free NZ and HPSNZ PM Scholarship programmes.
 

Emily commenced the new role on 14 January 2013.

- Paralympics New Zealand

30 Jan 2013
Prendergast appointed to IPC Athlete Council
Congratulations to Tim Prendergast who has been co opted onto the IPC Athlete Council. Tim is part of a selective group of international athletes that are the collective voice of Paralympic athletes within the IPC and the greater Paralympic Movement.

Tim will serve on the Council until Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Tim has competed at four Paralympic Games in the 800m and 1500m track events. He won two silver medals in Sydney, a gold medal in Athens, and was the New Zealand Team Captain in Beijing.

- Paralympics New Zealand

29 Jan 2013
Montreal, Canada to stage 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships
Montreal, Canada will stage the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships this August, the International Paralympic Committee has announced.

The event will be the first major gathering of international athletes since the London 2012 Paralympic Games and is expected to attract around 650 of the world's best swimmers from 50 countries. It will take place between 11 and 17 August 2013 at Montreal's Parc Jean Drapeua Aquatic Complex, a venue to the east of the city with a rich history for staging major international and national swimming competitions.

Although the Aquatic complex features three outdoor pools, Swimming Canada, the organisers of the Championships, plan to build a temporary structure around the eight-lane competition pool, effectively turning it into an indoor venue.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are very excited about Montreal staging the IPC Swimming World Championships as it is a city with an excellent track record for staging major international sporting events.

"Many of the swimmers who competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, breaking 148 world records, will compete in Montreal. Just like in London I expect them to thrill spectators and TV viewers around the globe with their sensational performances.

"This Championship will give the Canadian public a good taste of elite level para-swimming ahead of the 2015 Parapan American Games that will be staged in Toronto."

To promote the IPC Swimming World Championships, the IPC has launched an event microsite with the latest news, ones to watch, athlete biographies and useful information for teams. The website can be accessed at www.ipcswimmingworlds2013.org.

- International Paralympic Committee

17 Jan 2013
Paralympics New Zealand Patron Knighted
Congratulations to Paralympics New Zealand Patron Sir Paul Holmes on his knighthood and investiture ceremony that was held on Wednesday.
 

Sir Paul has been an active champion for Paralympic Sport in New Zealand for over two decades. His support began in the 1990s when he presented two Paralympic Games documentaries. His involvement has significantly raised the profile of Paralympic Sport with the New Zealand public.
 

His acknowledgement is very well deserved.

- Paralympics New Zealand

16 Jan 2013
Doha to stage 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships
Doha, Qatar, will stage the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, the International Paralympic Committee has announced.

The event will be the last major gathering of top international athletes before the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and is expected to attract around 1,300 of the world's best athletes from 90 countries and will take place in March in 2015.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted that Doha will play host to the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships especially since we now have secured host cities for our Athletics World Championships until 2017.

"With Lyon in 2013, Doha in 2015 and London in 2017 we have not only selected excellent host cities, but we also ensure a strong and consistent development of IPC Athletics and Paralympic sport in general in the years to come."

Ed Warner, IPC Athletics Sport Technical Committee Chairperson, said: "These Championships will be an important milestone on the way to the Rio 2016 Paralympics and we are expecting all of our top athletes to come out to Doha to compete.

"Doha will offer excellent sporting facilities for all of them and the people of Qatar will have the chance to experience the world's best Paralympic athletes perform at their highest level."

In December, IPC Athletics announced its decision to award the 2017 World Championships to London, Great Britain, after staging one of the best and most-talked about Paralympic Games in history last summer.

The 2011 edition of the Championships was held in Christchurch, New Zealand, and welcomed 1,151 athletes from more than 70 countries, generating a national economic impact of approximately $19.6 million, including spending outside Christchurch.

The next edition of the event will take place from 19-28 July 2013 in Lyon, France, where nearly 1,200 athletes from 90 countries are expected to take part, including a majority of the medal winners from London 2012.

- International Paralympic Committee

09 Jan 2013
Congratulations as New Years Honours Announced
New Zealand's success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has been recognised with gold medallists not previously honoured being appointed Members of The New Zealand Order of Merit. This year's New Years Honours list recognised the achievements of three Paralympic athletes - Mary Fisher, Phillipa Gray and Laura Fairweather.

Fisher is totally blind and claimed a gold, two silvers and a bronze in London, as well as a world record, swimming in the S11 class on her Paralympic Games debut.

Fellow Paralympic medallist Phillipa Gray, who is sight and hearing impaired, and her pilot Laura Fairweather claimed gold in the B (Tandem) Women's Pursuit in world record time, silver in the Tandem Women's Road Time Trial and bronze in the Tandem Women's 1km Time Trial.

- Paralympics New Zealand


07 Jan 2013
"We must build on the Paralympic Movement's most successful year," says IPC President
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven has hailed 2012 as the Paralympic Movement's most successful year yet and said that in the coming years wider broadcast coverage and greater promotion of athletes can help bring to life the IPC's vision of "inspiring and exciting the entire world."

In a New Year's message to IPC members, Sir Philip said that London 2012 had propelled the Paralympic Movement to new heights and that some countries had witnessed seismic shifts in attitudes towards people with an impairment as a result. He pointed out that many athletes were now household names in their respective countries and that many Paralympic sports were enjoying a greater profile.

Sir Philip Craven said: "After taking so many steps forward with the best Paralympic Games ever in London, it is important that we do not take a step back. We must all continue to enjoy working together to progress and develop our Movement for the benefit of all.

"I'd personally like to thank all those involved in delivering the Paralympic Movement's most successful year to date in 2012. From my experiences in life, it takes at least 10 years of diligent work to achieve major objectives. 2012 delivered an amazing rendition of the IPC vision "to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world."

Busy year ahead
Although 2013 is not a Paralympic year, it will be an extremely busy one with at least 10 World Championships scheduled to take place. In addition to Test Events for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, regional events such as the Youth Para Pan American Games and Asian Para Games are planned.

According to Sir Philip all these events must be used to build on the momentum generated by London 2012.

Sir Philip Craven said: "For the summer sports that host major Championships it is important for them to maintain and try and build on the level of competition that was achieved in London.

"It is also vitally important that we all work together to sustain the media interest generated in 2012. The world's media has a key role to play in all our progress and hopefully 2013 is the year they realise that the athletes who inspired and excited the world in London compete every year, not just every four years at the Paralympics.

"In terms of winter sport it is all about building for Sochi 2014 with the world's best athletes testing out their opponents in World Championships before testing out the venues in the city that will stage the next Paralympic Winter Games."
Growth areas

The IPC President said that in 2013 the IPC will be focusing on fulfilling its six strategic goals which form part of the 3rd IPC Strategic Plan 2011-2014. The Agitos Foundation will also play a key role in athlete development.

Sir Philip Craven said: "Although a record number of athletes and countries took part in London, the need for continued athlete development was underlined by the fact that 45 per cent of all athletes came from just 10 countries. In contrast 46 countries sent just one athlete.

"The Agitos Foundation, launched by the IPC during London 2012, will support and, if necessary, take the lead in global athlete development. The Youth Para Pan American Games and Asian Para Games will provide a great opportunity for a new generation of athletes to enter the international arena."

In his message to members Sir Philip also added that the IPC's future was secure thanks to the latest IOC/IPC Partnership and Co-operation Agreements and that in 2013 the IPC would be aiming to capitalise on London 2012 both commercially and in terms of broadcasting.

- International Paralympic Committee


 

Last Updated | Wednesday, 01 May 2013