Para sport is a term that describes sport offered as part of the Paralympic Movement. There are 28 Para sports currently contested at the Paralympic Games (22 summer and 6 winter). A large number of these Para sports are currently available within New Zealand at various levels of competition.

A Para athlete is an athlete that has a disability or impairment that makes them eligible to compete in Para sport. The ultimate goal for Para athletes is to represent their country at a Paralympic Games. The Paralympic Games take place every four years and are one of the most competitive multi-sport competitions in the world. This pinnacle event includes over 4,500 Paralympians at the summer Paralympic Games and over 700 Paralympians at the Paralympic Winter Games all aiming to be the best they can be and through their performances, changing perceptions of disability.