Danielle Aitchison, Education Intern

Paralympian #211 Danielle Aitchison will work alongside Kasey Wilson (PNZ Education Lead) to support the development of the PNZ Education Programme. This programme aims to change perceptions of disability through the lens of Paralympians, Para athletes and the Paralympic Movement. Danielle has joined PNZ as part of the HPSNZ 2023 Prime Minister’s Scholarship Internship Programme.

Danielle has a disability and competes in Para athletics for New Zealand. Danielle is passionate about educating more individuals about disabilities and Para sports to create more awareness and advocacy, with the hope of getting more individuals with disabilities involved with sports and recreation. 

Danielle has worked alongside Waikato Parafed to plan and organise sports and recreational events for members. She has also undertaken the role of coaching kids in athletics. 

Danielle volunteered at the 2022 Special Olympics National Games in Hamilton helping with the opening/closing ceremony and the athletics days. She has volunteered at IHC working with individuals with intellectual disabilities to help them achieve their skills-based goals. 

11 September 2023

Danielle has a Bachelor of Social Science major in Education and Society from the University of Waikato. 

Danielle enjoys spending her spare time outside amongst nature being active – skiing, hiking, cycling and going to the beach. She also likes the comfort of her home – baking, crocheting/knitting, reading and playing board games with her family.