STATEMENT
Paralympian Cameron Leslie has withdrawn from the New Zealand Paralympic Team in which he was to compete in Para swimming and Wheelchair rugby at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in August.
Leslie stated: “It has been a hard decision. My wife and I will be welcoming our second child into the world three weeks prior to the Paralympic Games, it was always going to be difficult to be away from them at that time. However, with the current circumstances, I am very aware I would not be able to get home quickly should something happen which concerns me. Family means a lot to me, and it is an exciting time as our little family is growing.“
He continued: “I have no intention of retiring or slowing down. The World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira and the IWRF Asia Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Zonal Championships in New Zealand next year excites me, it will be an easier time for us as a family and hopefully for everyone globally, things will have improved. There is also a lot of talent we have coming through in Para swimming and Wheelchair rugby which I enjoy being a part of“.
Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, PNZ) said, “We appreciate the enormity of the decision Cam has made and fully support him in his decision. We are excited for the birth of his second child and fully appreciate his commitment to his family. We look forward to Cam continuing his sporting career and wish him well at this time“.
