The 2024 ParaFed Canterbury Awards Function provided the ideal setting as Christchurch-based teenage duo Paralympian #235 Lili-Fox Mason and Paralympian #237 Gabriella “Gaby” Smith were presented with their official numbered pins by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).
An official numbered pin is presented to every individual who represents New Zealand at the Paralympic Games. A Paralympian receives their number once they have competed at their first Paralympic Games. PNZ first introduced the numbers in 2019 to give official recognition to Paralympians who had represented New Zealand.
Lili-Fox, who made her Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, said: “To have represented New Zealand and be presented with my Paralympic Pin is a dream come true. Competing at Paris 2024 was such an incredible experience, and I feel so honoured to be a part of the New Zealand Paralympic family.”
Diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of three-and-a-half and struggling with a virus during treatment, Lili-Fox was left with limited movement from her hip and down her right leg. Her lack of mobility left her struggling to play sports which required running, but she found freedom in the swimming pool, starting out in primary school competitions before joining the Wharenui Swimming Club at the age of 12.
Making her international debut in 2022, the 19-year-old, who works as a lifeguard for Christchurch City Council, finished 11th in the Women’s 400m Freestyle S10 and 13th in the Women’s Butterfly S10 at Paris 2024.
For Gaby, who made her Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, she said: “The pin means a great deal to me and my family – something I will be forever proud of. Every milestone I have reached has been possible thanks to the unwavering support of ParaFed Canterbury, my coaches, teammates, family and friends.
“From the early days of learning to swim the ParaFed Canterbury community has been my backbone, encouraging me through challenges and celebrating my successes. That’s why it is so special to be presented the pin at this prizegiving.”
Gaby, who was born without a left hand, was introduced to competitive racing through Parafed Canterbury as an 11-year-old. Making her international debut in 2022, the 18-year-old competed in three events at Paris 2024, finishing seventh in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SM9 final and eighth in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM10 after setting a personal best of 2:38.82 in her heat. She also placed 12th in the Women’s 400m Freestyle S10.
Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke said: “It is always a source of enormous pride when Paralympians are presented with their Paralympic pin. Lili-Fox and Gaby very much represent the next generation, and we look forward to watching their progression in future.”
Congratulations to Paralympian #208 Will Stedman for winning the ParaFed Canterbury Sportsperson of the Year award. Will enjoyed a fabulous year winning Men’s 400m T36 gold and Men’s Long Jump T36 silver at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships before later taking silver in the Men’s 400m T36 at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Image: Event Team Photography
