Paralympics New Zealand receives increased investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand in 2016

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to receive an increased investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).
 
PNZ is one of only six sporting organisations to receive an increase in funding in this round. An additional $55,000 has been added taking total investment to $1.955m for 2016. This investment will enable PNZ to further support gold medal potential athletes aiming for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
 
Alex Baumann (Chief Executive, HPSNZ) complimented the continued success of PNZ, “This investment is a result of Paralympics New Zealand continuing to deliver a world leading high performance programme and demonstrating the ability to win multiple gold medals for New Zealand.  With recent performances of the Para-Athletics, Para-Cycling, Para-Shooting and Para-Swimming teams particularly we believe we are on track to achieve our shared target of 12 Paralympic gold medals in Rio 2016 and retain the title of first in the world in medals per capita achieved at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.”
 
Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, PNZ) says, “Paralympics New Zealand is very grateful to have received further investment from High Performance Sport New Zealand for 2016. This is the second consecutive year that funding has increased and in the current tight fiscal environment we are thrilled that HPSNZ has expressed ongoing strong confidence in our programmes and people.
 
“This year has been a momentous one for Para-Sport in New Zealand with a huge wave of support.  Along with the commitment of our three major partners we have also seen the New Zealand public get behind and support Paralympians and Para-Athletes on the road to Rio 2016 through donations, messages of support and attendance at events. We are excited about continuing this journey together as we build towards the world’s largest multisport event for disabled athletes in Rio 2016.”
 
In addition to this, PNZ has recognised a need to seek extra private funding from the business community and public. This will not only fund the growth of Para-Sport generally in New Zealand, but also fund talent development Para-Athletes to accelerate their medal hopes for Rio 2016 and beyond to Tokyo 2020.    
 
As a result PNZ has had three major partners join the Paralympic Family this year, including Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Sanford and Cadbury.
 
 
Notes:

• 2015 has seen New Zealand Para-Athletes with winning performances that resulted in 11 World Titles, 4 World Records and 31 international podium finishes. 
• The success has in turn lead to a substantial growth in the number of Para-Athletes involved in Para-Sport.  For example, the Para-Athletics, PNZ Para-Cycling, Para-Swimming and Para-Shooting programmes have had a total of 32 Para-Athletes compete at international events this year.
• HPSNZ provides additional support directly to Paralympians and Para-Athletes by way of Performance Enhancement Grants (PEGs), Prime Minister’s Scholarships, HPSNZ Athlete Performance Support, and Innovation and Technology.
• This release follows details released by HPSNZ this morning (Friday 11 December).
• The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from the 7 - 18 September 2016. Taking place every four years, the Paralympic Games are the world’s largest multi-sport event for disabled athletes. More than 4,350 athletes from 178 countries are expected to compete in 22 sports, with 526 medal events.