Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has today been recognised at the International Paralympic Committee’s 2022 International Women’s Day Awards. PNZ won the category for National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and International Federations (IFs) who promote and support equality and inclusion of women in sport. Winners were announced today in a media conference at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
The Awards recognise women in the Paralympic Movement who inspire and emulate the Paralympic ideals and serve as positive role models, with the winners being decided by the International Paralympic Committee’s Women in Sport Committee, chaired by Rita van Driel, and presented by her alongside IPC President Andrew Parsons.
Rita van Driel said:
“I want to congratulate the winners on their well-deserved recognition and on opening up new opportunities for women across the whole Paralympic spectrum; you are an inspiration to us all.
“We had so many strong applications from across the world, which is testament of the increase in number of women leading our Movement, and I want to thank everyone who entered.
“It is very important for the IPC Women in Sport Committee to have strong female representation in leadership positions across the Paralympic Movement to get more women involved and, therefore, make it more diverse and inclusive.”
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is absolutely delighted to be recognised with the International Women’s Day Awards.
The award is in recognition of Paralympics New Zealand’s commitment to gaining equality for women in Paralympic sport. PNZ seeks and supports opportunities to develop women within the organisation, it has several staff in advisory committees, and promotes female Kiwi Paralympians and their achievements.
Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, PNZ) said:
“On behalf of Paralympics New Zealand I am incredibly proud that our organisation has been recognised with this award. Our female Paralympians and Para athletes continue to inspire future generations of girls and women in Para sport. We endeavor to ensure female representation across all aspects of our organisation, from our Board, our staff and support staff. Here in Beijing our Chef de Mission and Deputy Chef de Mission are both women further demonstrating our commitment to enable women to have the opportunity in leadership positions.”
She continued:
“I wish to thank IPC and the IPC Women in Sport Committee for showcasing through these awards the contribution of organisations and individuals as we collectively work together to build a diverse and truly inclusive society.”
PNZ wishes to acknowledge Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson, who was also shortlisted for these awards, in the ‘Emerging Leadership’ category. The nomination recognises Robinson’s leadership, advocacy and overall contribution to women in sport. Holly is dedicated to helping those in Para sport and in the broader community, serving on various committees, engagements, and officiating.
PNZ also gives its warmest congratulations and acknowledgements to the other winners, Zimbabwe’s coach Oripa Mubika, who was one of the few female Para sport coaches in Zimbabwe, and Singapore’s Paralympic champion Yip Pin Xiu, was the first Para athlete elected as a Nominated Member of Parliament. PNZ admires and thanks Mubika and Pin Xiu for all their commitments to creating a more inclusive and equal society for women.
