Paralympian #225 Anna Taylor recently went to Bahrain as an athlete representative from the PNZ Athletes’ Council. Her role was to observe the 2023 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly. She gives her reflections on the trip and the value of having an athlete representative present.
I was selected to join Jana Rangooni (PNZ Board Chair) and Greg Warnecke (PNZ CEO) at the IPC General Assembly. There, I represented the PNZ Athletes’ Council.
The PNZ Athletes’ Council is a touch point for Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) as an organisation. We are there to support the work that the organisation does, while providing relevant athlete perspectives. It is an exciting group to be involved with. We contribute in the way of advocacy, insight, and we champion athletes and their needs. We work in tandem on our shared goal of progressing the Paralympic Movement.
The IPC General Assembly was an incredible experience to be a part of. In a room where there are significant differences in geography, population, socio-economic levels, and culture all coming together for the joint goal of progression of the Paralympic Movement. It was truly a remarkable thing. I was able to engage in conversations with fellow athletes, create connections across the globe, and hear different perspectives first-hand. I felt immersed in the Movement – it was meaningful for me.
Kiwis in Bahrain
I got a huge shock when Nicole Murray and Hannah van Kampen surprised me in the lobby of my hotel. Nicole would soon win a fantastic award – Best Summer Female Para Athlete in the world. Nicole and Hannah are good friends and teammates. I was so grateful to be able to celebrate Nicole and her achievements with her in real time. We also got to experience a little bit of the culture together.
Now, the Athlete’s Council is looking ahead to next year. We are working on engagement with our membership and getting ready as the build-up to Paris 2024 ramps up.
Are you a Para athlete? Connect with the PNZ Athletes’ Council to stay in the loop.
