Ciao and greetings from Italy!
Competition returned (last night) for the NZ Paralympic Team, with Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM once again taking to the snow at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, for the Super-G Sitting. Another hugely competitive event, showing the depth and quality of the sitting category worldwide, with two different medalists from the Downhill (held on Saturday, local time). A 6th place for Corey, less than 1.5 seconds from the podium, with another impressive showing, representing Aotearoa New Zealand.
Watching on in the crowd was Paralympian #232 Wojtek Czyz (Para badminton, Paris 2024). Also a previous Paralympic representative for Germany, Wojtek is passionate about increasing and delivering inclusive opportunities in Para sport and is spending time in Europe providing some consulting support to different agencies in Germany, whilst advising different organisations on the experience he has had as a Paralympic athlete, and a person with a disability. Wojtek recorded some content for our social channels (keep an eye out), and was cheering on the NZ Paralympic Team.
To finish this update, I thought I would share one of the more unique, some might say cultural, commercial partners of these Paralympic Winter Games – Grana Padano Cheese. If like me, you enjoy some good Italian cheese, this was a welcome addition to the partner family, and even better to discover that as an activation, they are giving out (lots!) of free cheese within the international zone of the Paralympic Village. They are also prominent within the various Games lounges.
Thanks once again to everyone sharing the awesome content coming out of Cortina, signposting to the TVNZ Duke and TVNZ+ coverage of the Games, and continuing to #TalkAboutThis. Whilst we now take a short break from the action over the next few days, both Corey and Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM will next be in action on Friday (local).
Ngā mihi and grazie!
