With exactly one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games we chat to NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Raylene Bates MNZM to gauge her thoughts in the final phase of the countdown to the big dance.
What does it mean for you to be named as NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024?
RB: It is a huge honour and a privilege. The role is something I’ve aspired to fulfil for a long time. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with many great Chef de Mission’s in the past. Duane Kale (ONZM Paralympian #96), the Chef de Mission for Beijing 2008 and London 2012, inspired me because of his leadership skills. He was someone that really stood for the Paralympic Movement and its values. I have such a passion for sport, and I have been immersed in working with disabled athletes for so long, it means so much to me. I’ve seen many of the athletes grow from teenagers into adults, and I’ve felt such a part of their journey. I feel honoured to have this leadership role.
Can you go into more detail of how Duane Kale inspired you?
RB: It was seeing what a good leader can do to ensure that the right culture and environment is in place to enhance the Team. But it was not only what he did to provide a positive performance environment, it was also the way that he showed complete care and compassion for each person, which best enabled each athlete to perform to their best.
How well are the NZ Paralympic Team placed with one month to go to Paris 2024?
RB: Bringing the team together at the Farewell event last Wednesday really sparked the ignition. The Team receiving their uniform, meeting the other athletes and the support staff was that trigger for generating that excitement and brought home the realisation that we are leaving for the Games very soon. The athletes are now all ready to compete and be part of what I am sure will be a very special Paralympic Games. I also believe that now the Olympic Games has started, it will help provide a platform for excitement and anticipation leading into the Paralympic Games.
What needs to be done over the next month to ensure the team has the best environment to perform well?
RB: It is now down to the small details. The air freight has left for Paris and it is about making sure we have ticked every box in terms of the details around room allocation, sports entries etc. We now have to ensure the support team and coaches in Paris receive a clean handover from many of the athletes’ current support team providers and coaches. We need to provide an environment where the athletes and the team feel relaxed and safe and best be able to enjoy the Games.
Where do you envisage the biggest challenges to come from over the next month?
RB: You prepare for every worst-case scenario from high level security issues to equipment failures. Challenges are always likely to emerge, it is how we deal with those issues. As Chef de Mission, I have great faith in the well-respected and highly experienced team I’ll be working with in Paris. I’m confident we can handle any challenges that may come our way.
What are you most looking forward to in Paris 2024?
RB: Watching the athletes perform. While we always hope our athletes win medals, realistically that is not going to happen for everyone. We have 11 debutants on the Team, where making a final or setting a PB is the primary goal. For me, it is all about watching the debutants grow as well as watching the experienced athletes try and fulfil their dreams and goals.
How do you define success at Paris 2024?
RB: Success for me will be arriving back in New Zealand with no dramas! Hopefully we have been able to provide a safe environment for the athletes and that they all return home to New Zealand able to reflect positively on the experience. Ultimately, I have to get this team home, so I won’t be able to relax until I set foot back in Auckland Airport!
