Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is delighted to receive the Community Impact Award and the IPC Member Award at the biennial 2025 PARA SPORT Awards overnight (Friday 14 November).
Organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the PARA SPORT Awards celebrate the exceptional performances of teams, athletes, coaches, community projects and volunteers, and this year received more than 200 nominations.
Recognised and voted on by the IPC Governing Board, PNZ secured the Community Impact Award thanks to its inspirational We’ll Give You Something to Talk About campaign.
The successful campaign focused on Kiwi Paralympians as elite athletes, using their real-life experiences to challenge the way disability is often talked about. The campaign invited New Zealanders to shift focus from the disability to the athlete and spark meaningful conversation about capability, achievement and inclusion.
Winning this award was particularly poignant following the tragic passing in June of Rachel Barr. The PNZ Marketing Manager was the driving force behind the campaign and for PNZ to secure the Community Impact Award is a fitting tribute to her vision and special talents.
PNZ CEO and Secretary General Greg Warnecke said, “We are immensely proud of our We’ll Give You Something to Talk About campaign, which was created to challenge perceptions, spark important conversations, and celebrate the incredible achievements of our Para athletes and the wider disabled community.
To have this work acknowledged and recognised with the Community Impact Award at the PARA SPORT Awards is a huge honour. It reinforces the importance of sharing authentic stories that resonate with all in Aotearoa New Zealand, to break down barriers, and inspire a more inclusive society – something that our incredible colleague Rachel so brilliantly weaved into this successful campaign.”
PNZ were also elated to win the IPC Member Award for its collective efforts in promoting and championing the cause of the Paralympic Movement in Aotearoa.
PNZ President and Chair Jana Rangooni said, “We are honoured to be recognised with the IPC Member Award at the PARA SPORT Awards. This recognition is testament to the collective efforts of PNZ, our Para athletes and the wider community in celebrating the power of the Paralympic Movement across Aotearoa New Zealand. Together with our member organisations, commercial and funding partners, PNZ continues to advocate for increased opportunities in Para sport, as we look ahead to the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and LA28 Paralympic Games, and beyond. This Award recognises this commitment and the dedication of everyone involved in Para sport in New Zealand.”
