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News posted on Wednesday 9 March, 2022

Dame Cindy Kiro announced as Vice-Regal Patron of Paralympics New Zealand

Dame Cindy Kiro sitting outdoors

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is delighted and honoured to announce that Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand has graciously accepted an invitation to become the organisation’s Patron. 

In accepting the appointment Her Excellency said:

“I am looking forward to working with Paralympics New Zealand and our inspirational Paralympians and Para athletes. Their high-performance sporting achievements positively influence perceptions of people with disabilities, and promote a more diverse and inclusive society.”

Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand

Jana Rangooni (Chair, PNZ) says:

“Paralympics New Zealand is thrilled that Her Excellency has accepted our invitation as Patron of our organisation and we very much look forward to her future involvement and support to us and Paralympians and Para athletes.”

There has been exponential growth in interest and support of the Paralympic Movement and Para sport, both nationally and internationally in recent years. PNZ’s new Strategic Plan 2021-2032 has a vision ‘through Para sport lives will be transformed’. The strategy recognises the value and importance of Para sport to all New Zealanders, and PNZ’s aspirations for the future. PNZ aims to contribute to a transformed New Zealand which is truly inclusive where Para athletes have the opportunity to participate at all levels of sport and are equally recognised for their successes. 

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