Paris 2024 Messages from the CEO

Day 8

Kia ora and bonjour from Paris.

A shorter update from me today, as it was a day on the road and spent in the car, traveling to the Shooting Para sport venue and accommodation at Chateauroux.

Departing from Paris well before the sun had risen, and driving in heavy rain, accompanied by our Pou Tuarā Tikanga and Cultural Lead Kelly James, the original plan was to arrive in time to support Paralympian #204 Greg Reid, competing in the morning session for the Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 (finishing in 36th position during qualifying), but sadly some poor directions to park our car sent us back and forth across the very large venue precinct and by the time we were able to get in to the venue, the competition had concluded.

We did however get to connect with six-time Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson, and Team Leader Sonja and Load Janelle, and together convoy back to Paris ahead of some departures bound for home. Prior to departing, Kelly delivered a special karakia to complete the Shooting Para sport journey at the Paralympics.

Traffic in the city area has definitely increased now that schools are back in session and everyone is back at work.

That heavy rain I mentioned above had an impact on competition, delaying the start of the Para cycling, where in trying conditions, Paralympian #221 Rory Mead finished in 4th place in the H1-2 Road Race.

Elsewhere, our Para swimmers were in action again at Paris La Defense Arena. Paralympian #201 Tupou Neiufi narrowly missed the final, qualifying in 10th place in the 50m Freestyle S8. And two of our newest Paralympians Lili-Fox Mason and Gaby Smith qualified in 11th and 12th place in the 400m Freestyle S10.

I can’t believe that there are only three days left of Paris 2024 ahead, and our eighth Para sport, Para canoe, kicks off competition tomorrow, together with some more events across the Games. One final push for the weekend for our Paralympians, means you too can have one final push tune in to the coverage and encourage family, friends and colleagues (or total strangers!) to also watch the final few days of the Games. Let’s really give all of New Zealand #SomethingToTalkAbout.