New Zealand launches Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme

New Zealand launches Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme

2 October 2014, 3:56PM
Paralympics New Zealand

A Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme has been launched with less than two years to go until the start of the Games.

Like all National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) will be allocated a number of volunteers in the role of NPC assistants for the duration of the team's stay in Rio de Janeiro.

The programme offers an opportunity for an NPC to identify certain individuals that it wishes to request to fill the role of NPC assistant.

Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, PNZ) says, “We ideally want to offer opportunities to locals from Rio with New Zealand heritage or connections to ensure they have an affinity to our team.”  She continues, “International volunteers are also welcome, however, they will be responsible in full for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.”

PNZ is looking for committed and proactive individuals who value teamwork, diversity and inclusion, and are energetic and responsible.

London 2012 Paralympic Games NPC assistants Carol Tyrrell and Elizabeth Sheenan find it hard to put into words what an amazing experience it was to be a NPC assistant to the NZ Paralympic team.

Carol says, “I would recommend anyone to go for it and go prepared to do anything and ready to think on your feet!  It surely is something where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

It was wonderful to share the successes of all the inspirational athletes and to have a real 'hands on' part in what must be one of the greatest shows on earth - I'd do it all again at the drop of a hat!”

Elizabeth had been visiting New Zealand each year to see family and was thrilled to be selected to assist the NZ Paralympic team.  She says, “Being part of the team with the NZ athletes was amazing. The buzz of the Paralympic village, opening ceremony and seeing the athletes giving their all.”  She continues, “I can't put it into words what an amazing experience it was, to stand with the NZ team waiting to go into the stadium for the opening ceremony, fireworks exploding all around me, the welcome ceremony at NZ High Commission, public beeping horns and thumbs up as they see you travelling across London in your uniform. So many friendships made, so many memories.”

As part of the role, volunteers will be the "eyes and ears" of the NZ Paralympic Team and become a key part of the team during the Games, as well as meeting some of New Zealand's biggest Paralympic stars, including Paralympic and world champions Sophie Pascoe, Mary Fisher and Phillipa Gray.

Pascoe and Fisher won ten medals in the pool out of the total 17 medals won by New Zealand at London 2012, while on the bike Phillipa Gray won a trifecta of medals.

Applications for NZ NPC assistants close on 31 October 2014.  For more information on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme and to register go to http://www.paralympics.org.nz/Rio2016.htm.

Notes:
  • Applicants must be aged 18 or over by February 2016, be competent in English and ideally be able to speak Portuguese.
  • They must also be available from 31 August to 21 September 2015.
  • The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are due to take place from 7 to 18 September.
  • Once selected, individuals are required to commit to a Rio 2016 Selection and Training Process.
  • The application process is now open and closes on 31 October 2014.

Search