The Paralympic Games are defined by the Para athletes that compete and inspire those around them. Defined by the core values of the Paralympic Movement – determination, equality, inspiration, and courage – we have seen some absolutely incredible Paralympians competing at the Paralympic Games since their inception in 1960. But who are the most famous Paralympians?  Becoming a famous Paralympian ..read more

The Paralympic Games are not only an integral part of the worldwide sporting calendar, but they also play an important role in inspiring others to think differently about disability as the largest event worldwide for driving social change. Since 1968 New Zealand Paralympic Teams have stunned supporters and competing nations with their determination, heart, and ..read more

Photo: Wendy and Chris Gibb receive the PNZ Order of Merit on behalf of Eve. Credit Jason Agnew. Paralympics New Zealand has awarded the PNZ Order of Merit to the late Eve Rimmer BEM, for her outstanding service to PNZ and Paralympic sport in New Zealand. Paralympian #13 Eve, who passed away in 1996, was ..read more

Matthew Britz is set to become the first New Zealander in 48 years to contest Para table tennis at the Paralympic Games. Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) today named the 20-year-old Oceania Para table tennis champion to the NZ Paralympic Team. The Paralympic Games take place from 28 August, when the Opening Ceremony will march along ..read more

We are excited to launch Serve, Spin, Smash!   Activators and participants are encouraged to register for this 8-week introductory, fun and inclusive community Para table tennis programme that welcomes disabled people of all ages and abilities, using adapted equipment and games to maximise confidence and enjoyment.  This Para table tennis programme is co-designed and delivered ..read more

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) have unveiled a team of four Para athletics athletes to compete as part of the New Zealand Paralympic Team in their first selection announcement for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson, Paralympian #195 Anna Grimaldi, Paralympian #208 Will Stedman and Mitch Joynt, who is set to make his Paralympic debut, will all feature in the event in the French capital from 28 August – 8 September 2024. The vastly experienced Dunedin-based thrower Holly Robinson, who competes in both the women’s javelin F46 and women’s shot put F46, is excited to co ..read more

Picture: a previous intake of the Para Sport Collective learn from a presenter during a camp. 25 incredible Para athletes and 12 amazing coaches will be part of the second intake of the Para Sport Collective. The Para Sport Collective, which is supported by ACC, is for Para athletes and coaches at the pre-high performance stage of the Para sport pathway. The cohort will participate in 3 national in-person camps, and bi-monthly virtual connections over the coming 12 months. Para athletes and coaches across the country will learn from each other and high performance sport experts when they uni ..read more

Image: A Parafed Waikato member serving the ball (photo credit: Halberg Foundation). Serve, Spin, Smash! is a new Para table tennis pilot programme for the community. Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) in partnership with Table Tennis NZ selected Auckland, Canterbury, and Waikato to pilot the 8-week introductory programme. It’s a great example of collaboration across regional and national sport and disability organisations to deliver better outcomes for disabled people. The organisers invite disabled people to sign up for the programme and give Para table tennis a go. When eight different regiona ..read more

Key points: The 2024 Para Cycling Track World Championships is complete with the Kiwis taking home a record 11 medals. On the final day, Paralympian #222 Nicole Murray claimed gold in the C4/5 Elimination Race, as well as a Scratch Race bronze and a silver medal for the C5 Omnium. Fresh from claiming a World Title yesterday, Devon Briggs claimed two additional medals today: C3/4 Elimination Race bronze and C3 Omnium silver. The 2024 Para Cycling Track World Championships have wrapped up with a slew of medals for the Kiwis. To round out the competition, Paralympian #222 Nicole Murray claimed ..read more

An unstoppable Devon Briggs has claimed the double whammy of a gold medal and a new World Record at the Para Cycling Track World Championships. Competing in Rio this morning, Briggs smashed the World Record in his C3 Kilo qualifier, and then bettered his own World Record in the final with a time of 01:05:259. An elated Briggs describes it as an amazing day: “I came into the day wanting to get the world record and we smashed it out of the park. And to come in again tonight, breaking my own world record and getting rainbows on top of that, I’m so stoked. “I’m over the moon with joy, I just can ..read more