Something to talk about
The New Zealand Paralympic Team are giving Kiwis ‘Something to Talk About’ at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games across 11 days of competition from 29 August – 9 September 2024.
Alvarium is a proud team supporter of Paralympics New Zealand who are part of a worldwide social change movement that uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society.
“We are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and promote a more inclusive society” says Malcolm McKinnon, CEO Alvarium. “We feel privileged to support New Zealand’s Paralympics team and we would like to encourage all Kiwi’s to get behind our team. We are immensely proud of each of our athletes who are wonderful ambassadors for sport and for Aotearoa New Zealand. We are humbled and honoured to share in this experience with them.”
About the New Zealand Paralympic Team
The NZ Paralympic Team in Paris 2024 boasts 25 Para athletes, 11 women and 14 men, across eight Para sports. They are one of New Zealand’s most successful sport teams, consistently performing on the world stage. In Tokyo 2020, the Team placed fourth in the world per capita, with 97 percent of the Team having top eight finishes. The team strive to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible.
Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 227 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 26 Paralympic Games (14 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 236 medals (201 in summer and 35 in winter).
Paralympics New Zealand’s marketing campaign, “We’ll Give You Something to Talk About” is designed to challenge perceptions and encourage New Zealanders to support and celebrate New Zealand Paralympians and Para athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The team features young and old, experienced and new athletes including:
Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson MNZM (Shooting Para sport), is making a record-equalling sixth Paralympic Games appearance for New Zealand to match the feat of Paralympian #4 Graham Condon QSM (who competed between 1968-1988).
62-year-old Shooting Para sport athlete Paralympian #204 Greg Reid, is the oldest ever New Zealand Paralympian surpassing Paralympian #171 Jan Apel, who was aged 61 when she competed in Para sailing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Reid, who lives in the Wairarapa, and who works full-time as a mass metrologist - made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
“I’m both humbled and proud to represent Aotearoa on such an enormous stage,” adds Greg. “It does get a little harder competing at the top level as I get older, but that is all the more reason to step up and give it everything. For me to have a second bite at the Paralympic Games is very special.”
At the other end of the age spectrum, Para athlete Gabriella ‘Gaby’ Smith is the youngest member of the NZ Paralympic Team at Paris 2024. The 18-year-old Christchurch-based Para swimmer will competes in three events - the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB9, 400m Freestyle S10 and 200m Individual Medley SM10.
“Competing at a Paralympic Games is reward for those who have supported me over the years and for all those hours I’ve spent in the pool and the gym. I’m not just swimming for myself but everyone that has shown faith in me throughout my career” says Gaby.
How to watch
Paris 2024 will see the most extensive coverage for a Paralympic Games in New Zealand to date. This will include coverage on TVNZ 1 from 7.30pm, five dedicated TVNZ+ pop-up channels covering live and delayed content, plus replays and highlights. For more information of when to watch the Kiwis at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and other Paris 2024 Paralympic Games related information go here. And watch Grit & Glory to gain exclusive insight into the lives of six of the elite athletes with disabilities, as they work relentlessly to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ)
Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. They are a charity with the vision of ‘Transforming lives through Para sport’. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), they are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, they support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. They are funded by a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible. Join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
