Last night saw Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) together with partner Adecco New Zealand continued to focus on two Paralympic Games taking place in quick succession with 67 days to go to Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and 259 days to go to Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. The celebrations in the presence of 16 Paralympians and Para athletes some already selected and others aiming for selection to the New Zealand Paralympic Team to take on the world at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. They were joined by 150 guests who came together for PNZ’s 7th annual Adecco New Zealand Prime Minister’s Dinner at the Park Hyatt, Auckland.
Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson along with her coach Raylene Bates gave an official address. She said: “The countdown to a Paralympic Games is always exciting because it’s when those long term plans start to come to fruition. It’s a feeling I’ve had before but look forward to as we lead into what will be my third Paralympic Games.“
Guests were also treated to a surprise performance from Drax Project who showed their support of the New Zealand Paralympic Team by performing two smash hits. Drax Project came to prominence in 2017 with the single “Woke Up Late”, which was certified triple platinum.
Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, Paralympics New Zealand) said: “We believe our Paralympians and Para athletes through their hard work, determination and success will continue to change perceptions of disability therefore transforming lives through Para sport. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games we are anticipating the New Zealand Paralympic Team may include up to 40 Para athletes likely to compete in up to 7 Para sports, while at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games the New Zealand Paralympic Team may include up to 4 Para athletes competing in Para alpine skiing. This is such an exciting time and I wish all New Zealand Paralympians and Para athletes all the best in their bid for success representing the nation and others that continue to aim for nomination and selection this year.“
Teresa Moore (Chief Executive, Adecco) said: “Partnering with Paralympics New Zealand has enriched our business. Through perseverance and commitment, we have learnt that anything can be achieved; their values resonate deeply with our business. The evening was an opportunity to share with our clients and guests that Paralympics New Zealand represents ‘inclusiveness’ that being social inclusion and societal opportunity. As a leading employer across the employment labour market, we see our position as key to educate and assist with creating awareness about inclusiveness in the workplace.“
Back row L to R – Paralympian Tupou Neiufi, PNZ CEO Fiona Allan, Paralympian Holly Robinson, Para athlete Lisa Adams, Paralympian Jesse Reynolds, Paralympian Caitlin Dore, Paralympian Sophie Pascoe, coach Raylene Bates, Para athlete Corbin Hart.
Middle row L to R – Paralympian Adam Hall, Chef de Mission Tokyo 2020 Paula Tesoriero, Para athlete Eltje Malzbender, Right Honourable Grant Robertson, PNZ Chair Jana Rangooni,
Front row L to R – Para athlete Neelam O’Neill, Para athlete Gareth Lynch, Para athlete Cody Everson, Para athlete Gavin Rolton.
Credit – Cactus Photography.
