The successful partnership between ACC and Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games has been renewed through to 2019.
Scott Pickering, ACC’s Chief Executive, says he’s delighted Paralympics New Zealand has agreed to renew the partnership that supported New Zealand’s most successful Paralympics team.
ACC is also proud to be named as a finalist with Paralympics New Zealand in the 2017 NZ Sport & Recreation Awards Commercial Partnership category, along with fellow PNZ partners Sanford and Cadbury. The awards evening takes place tonight, at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.
As an Official Partner of Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), ACC is proud to encourage and promote social change for the 1.1 million New Zealanders living with a disability.
“The remarkable achievements of our Paralympians in Rio, vividly captured on our TV screens, have been a major factor in changing the public’s perception and attitude towards those living with a disability. These Paralympians have also encouraged all New Zealanders to live active lives and inspired those rehabilitating from serious injury.“
Fiona Allan, PNZ’s CEO, is also thrilled that both organisations are to continue working together: “There’s a natural alignment between creating opportunities for ACC’s clients and our goal of growing the number of people participating in community Para sport.“
The ongoing success and achievements of Kiwi Paralympians will help ACC as it encourages clients to use sporting activity in their rehabilitation. At the same time, PNZ is identifying and supporting new Para athletes to increase its talent base in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Mr Pickering says ACC is keen to give its clients the opportunity to try Para sport to make rehabilitation less arduous and more enjoyable in the company of equally motivated people.
During the next two years PNZ in partnership with ACC will be holding a series of Open Days to enable those living with a disability, or recovering from a serious injury, to see what can be achieved through Para sport and for the public to meet and hear first-hand from Paralympians – ‘their story’.
The Open Days provide an opportunity for people to learn about what Para sport is available in their region through local sport organisations. The Open Days are free and will build on the success of those held to date, providing more people the opportunity to attend.
“Sport is a powerful thing. It gives structure, focus and a goal to achieve,“ Mr Pickering says. “Success comes in small victories each day. The strength, determination and achievements of our Paralympians, and those facing daily challenges in living with disability, set an example to all of us as to what can be achieved and overcome.“
Through the celebration of sporting excellence ACC aims to inspire people to lead active lifestyles and participate in sports at all levels.
