PNZ Athletes’ Council

I am a proud Paralympian. High performance sport has been a life changing experience for me. I have an empowering story that would inspire others to go that bit further, push that bit harder and try new things. I want to see more people, more active in New Zealand no matter their disability and would love to show anyone you can achieve greatness in your life no matter what. I am often seen as a leader by my work colleagues as well as my peers. I believe this is in part due to my gentle nature and good listening skills. I look forward to this opportunity to help with the Paralympic Movement.

I am honoured to be appointed to the Paralympics New Zealand Athletes’ Council. Being the only winter Paralympian on the Council I bring an additional set of skills, knowledge and perspective to the team. I am excited to fulfil the role and represent Para athletes and help pave the way to their success in and out of the sporting arenas.

I have competed at two Paralympic Winter Games (2014 & 2018) along with 10 years of international competition. During this period I managed a large part of my programme along with budgets and planning. I currently own and operate my own architectural design business bringing further experience in leadership, organisational and planning skills, project management, controlling budgets and communication.

My name is Anna Grimaldi, I’m a 24 years old Long jumper from Dunedin. I have attended two Paralympic Games and won the Women’s Long Jump T47 at both.

I’m passionate about the Paralympic Movement and want to help make this amazing community as big as possible. I can imagine how different my life would’ve been if I had known about the Paralympic Games and was able to look up to someone that was just like me – also disabled when I was growing up, sadly I feel like this is the story for many disabled children still and I’d love to have a hand in changing the way the disabled community is perceived and also help as many people get involved and feel accepted within the sporting community.

I feel like my experiences as an athlete range from good to not so good and I’d like to be part of making sure that future Paralympians and Para athletes are put in the best possible position to succeed.

I have made my best effort to meet as many people within the Paralympic community as possible which I hope would make me approachable to athletes should they need to discuss anything – I am open and willing to have conversations with anyone.

The reason for me wanting to be a member of the PNZ Athletes’ Council, is to ensure PNZ athletes finally have a voice and fair representation. Where athletes’ thoughts, feelings and needs are expressed and the athletes can have a place or person to turn to when they’re not heard, feeling upset or unfairly treated. Someone who has their back and best interests at heart, and someone who will support them when they need it.

For me, the PNZ Athletes’ Council is well overdue, and now is our chance to support current and future athletes on a journey to success. My experience includes being the athletes representative for 200+ Shooting Para sport athletes for 4 years with World Shooting Para Sport. I have been to five Paralympic Games. I’ve also just gone back on the Parafed Auckland* Board to help support all the up and coming athletes.
(* Parafed Auckland is now Disability Sport Auckland.)

I have a passion for ensuring the disability voice is heard within our communities, especially in the context of athlete welfare. In regards to my governance experiences I was an inaugural member of the Halberg Youth Council where I served as chairman, and am a current member of the Parafed Waikato board. I have a good rapport with many Para athletes in New Zealand and I feel these connections alongside my governance experience will be a good set of skills to bring to the Council.

I am a proud Paralympian that is excited to promote the advancement of the Paralympic Movement in New Zealand.  I have ideas and experiences that will serve to benefit the Council.

I intend to be a strong advocate and voice for athletes. Promoting change where needed and providing problem solving skills.

I am a team player and I really look forward to the opportunity to serve as an athlete representative to support PNZ towards continued development of a successful, equitable and thriving environment for all.