Paula Tesoriero MNZM, Paralympian #168, Chef de Mission – NZ Paralympic Team and Disability Rights Commissioner, will be the final guest of the 10-part “Leadership from Lockdown” series organised by Women in Sport Aotearoa in partnership with Trans – Tasman Business Circle SportsConnect.
A lot happened on 25 March 2020. New Zealand entered an unprecedented “Level 4 Lockdown“ due to the COVID-19 and that same day, it was announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be postponed by 12 months. Training and preparation by Paralympians and Para athletes worldwide came to a sudden and unexpected halt, as everyone grappled with the postponement and became used to the restrictions on movement in their countries. With gyms, pools and other sporting facilities closed down all over the world, athletes went from intense daily training to limited fitness routines in their own homes.
This week we talk to Paula about what the postponement means for global athletes and the Paralympic movement as a whole. As New Zealand’s Disability Rights Commissioner, Paula is currently advocating for the creation of a more inclusive society during the recovery from COVID-19. We will talk to her about what this would mean for disabled people and their access to sport and recreation in future.
Pre-register now and tune in 13.30pm NZT on Friday 12 June! This week’s session will be moderated by Rachel Froggatt, IWG Secretary General.
