Ciao and greetings from Italy!
With no scheduled competition, Tuesday evening (local time) was a great opportunity to connect with those that have travelled equally great distances in support of our NZ Paralympic Team – whānau and friends, at a casual event to share pizza and pasta, and recount the Games so far, and look ahead to the days to come.
The success of our Paralympians relies heavily on the support of loved ones to be able to pursue and realise their Para sporting ambitions. The time spent away from home, especially so for our Winter Paralympians who are endlessly chasing winter and snow for training and competition, unquestionably has an impact on both our Paralympians and their support network.
So, the opportunity to come together for those who were able to make it to Cortina, is an important part of this campaign for the NZ Paralympic Team, and an energy boost that will help propel them to the finish line over coming days. It’s also important to acknowledge and recognise the many other supporters who have been unable to travel to Cortina, but who are sending their wishes from back at home or around the world to the NZ Paralympic Team.
On behalf of everyone at Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) and with the NZ Paralympic Team – a huge thanks for being part of our extended Team, and for the continued aroha and support you show to our Paralympians and Support Staff.
Engagement with other National Paralympic Committees and stakeholders is also a key activity in the Paralympic Games environment, as it is not often there is an opportunity to meet in person, share updates and best practice examples, celebrate the Paralympic Movement, and look ahead to future Games.
As a snapshot of some of that engagement, PNZ President Jana Rangooni (picture above left) and I have attended functions hosted by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (including representatives from organising committee’s for LA28 and the Salt Lake City 2034 Paralympic Winter Games) Great Britain, and Australia. Additional functions and key meetings with members of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board are also scheduled to take place during Games-time.
Members of the NZ Paralympic Team have also had a brief private meeting with members of the Royal Family at the Paralympic Village, as did Jana and I, at the Paralympics GB function. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are avid sports fans, and took time to ask questions about the competition, results, and wider Paralympic Movement, showing their interest in our Paralympians and supporting the Paralympic Winter Games.
That’s a wrap from Cortina, as we officially pass the halfway mark of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. More updates to follow, and whilst our NZ Paralympic Team have another couple of days off from competition, be sure to continue to check out the action from other Winter Para sport at the Games – with daily Para ice hockey, and more, Para biathlon, Para cross country, and Wheelchair curling taking place over coming days.
Ngā mihi and grazie!
