PNZ Order of Merit recipient, Para swimming classifier and swim coach Sandra Blewett MBE passed away peacefully on 1 January 2024. Sandra was 74 years old.
Sandra contributed her skills selflessly for five decades as an advanced swimming instructor and coach for swimmers of all abilities, including many Para swimmers. She was also an impressive athlete in her own right, having swum over 56 marathon swims around the world. The talented long-distance swimmer was awarded an MBE in 1992 for services to marathon swimming.
Sandra contributed to the development of Para sport in New Zealand for over 25 years in many roles. She served as the NZ Para swimming classifier from 1996 to 2022. She was the Executive Director for Parafed Auckland (now Disability Sport Auckland) from 1998 to 2003. Further to this, she was a Paralympics New Zealand Board member from 2001 to 2008. In 2022, Paralympics New Zealand awarded Sandra the PNZ Order of Merit for outstanding service to Paralympics New Zealand and Para sport in New Zealand.
Sandra will be sadly missed by her many friends within the Paralympic Movement. Our thoughts are with Sandra’s brother Rick, sister Chrissie, and their children.
A private service will be held for Sandra. Comments can be left via Sandra’s obituary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who was Sandra Blewett and what was her role in Para swimming?
Sandra Blewett MBE was a long-serving Para swimming classifier and swim coach who contributed over 25 years to the development of Para sport in New Zealand through coaching, classification, and leadership roles within the Paralympic community.
What contributions did Sandra Blewett make to Paralympics New Zealand?
Sandra served as a Para swimming classifier from 1996 to 2022, was a former Paralympics New Zealand Board member, and received the PNZ Order of Merit in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to Para sport.
Why are the Virtus Global Games important for New Zealand Para athletes?
In addition to her work in Para sport, Sandra was an accomplished marathon swimmer, completing over 56 marathon swims worldwide, and was awarded an MBE in 1992 for her services to marathon swimming.
