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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:
|
Swimmers |
Region |
|
Cameron Leslie |
Whangarei |
|
Daniel Holt |
North Shore |
|
Daniel Sharp |
Hamilton / Auckland |
|
Jesse Reynolds |
Hamilton |
|
Mary Fisher |
Wellington |
|
Nikita Howarth |
Cambridge |
|
Sophie Pascoe |
Christchurch |
|
|
|
|
Coaches |
Region |
|
Jon Shaw (Head Swim Performance Coach) |
Auckland |
|
Roly Crichton |
Christchurch |
|
Simon Mayne |
North Shore |
|
Craig Albery |
Wellington |
-
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:
|
Athlete |
Event |
Region |
|
Michael Johnson |
R5 - Air Rifle Prone |
Waiuku |
|
|
R4 - Air Rifle Standing |
|
|
Greg Reid |
R3 - Air Rifle Prone |
Wellington |
|
Grant Philip |
R5 - Air Rifle Prone |
Christchurch |
|
|
R4 - Air Rifle Standing |
|
|
Robert Smith |
R5 - Air Rifle Prone |
Christchurch |
|
|
R4 - Air Rifle Standing |
|
-
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:
|
Phillipa Gray (Invercargill) |
VI Women |
|
Laura Fairweather (Invercargill) |
Pilot |
|
Fiona Southorn (Waipu) |
C5 Women |
|
Tiffiney Perry (Hamilton) |
H2 Women |
|
Brendon Stratton (Auckland) |
H3 Men |
|
Tim Williams (Ngatea, Hauraki Plains) |
H1 Men |
|
Kate Horan (Wellington) |
C4 Women |
|
Jonothan Nelson (Timaru) |
H3 Men |
|
Emma Foy (Wellington) |
VI Women |
|
Gabrielle Vermunt (Invercargill) |
Pilot |
-
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
| TRI 3 |
1. Nick Ruane |
Wellington |
1:39:35 |
TRI 4
|
1. Nick Bailey
2. Drew McLean |
Wellington
Dunedin |
1:38:23
2:03:34 |
| TRI 5 |
1. Kate Horan |
Wellington |
1:35:55 |
| *Plus |
Mary
Fisher |
Wellington |
1:38:45 |
* 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
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