Born in 1925, Doug took up Para sport following a truck accident which paralysed him from the waist down when he was 40. Doug has been living for many years in Mount Maunganui with his wife Joyce.
Less than 10 years after his accident, Doug competed at the highest levels, going to the 3rd Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Edinburgh, Scotland 1970 and the 4th Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in New Zealand in 1974. He then made his Paralympic debut in Canada at the Toronto 1976 Paralympic Games. He was part of a team of 12 fellow Kiwi Paralympians. Doug competed in Para athletics and Para table tennis. His best result at those Games were in the Men’s Javelin 2 where he finished at the 6th place.
Doug was also the Foundation President for the Western Bay of Plenty Paraplegic Association from 1968 to 1980 when he passed away. Doug was awarded the Queens Service Medal in 1978 for Services to the Community. Sadly Joyce passed away in 2006. Doug and Joyce still have many children and grandchildren all around New Zealand very proud of his achievements.
