Cambridge-based para cyclists Anna Taylor (left) and Nicole Murray are competing at the Paralympics once again. Photo / George Novak
Cambridge-based para cyclists Anna Taylor (left) and Nicole Murray are competing at the Paralympics once again. Photo / George Novak
Seven Waikato athletes are part of the New Zealand Paralympic Team preparing to give Kiwis ‘Something to Talk About’ at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games after the flame ignited at the glittering Opening Ceremony on Thursday morning (NZT).
Flagbearers Paralympian No 164 Cameron Leslie and Paralympian No 195 Anna Grimaldi proudly led the team at the Opening Ceremony of the 17th summer Paralympic Games which is taking place at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées in the heart of the French capital.
The New Zealand team of 25 Para athletes – plus 41 support staff – are competing across eight sports, two more than at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Expectations are high for a prominent showing as around 4400 athletes compete across 11 days – Thursday, August 29-Monday, September 9 NZT.
Devon Briggs is set to make his Paralympic debut. Photo / Marco Antonio Teixeira / CBC
The New Zealand Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Raylene Bates described welcoming ceremonies as emotional for team members.
“The New Zealand Paralympic Team is raring to go, and we all are excited for the competition ahead,” Bates said.
“The athletes have been training hard for the past three years to perform at their best for this pinnacle event and our goal is to provide the best possible team environment to allow them to achieve their goals.
“It is always hard to make too many predictions in elite sport, but we cannot ask much more of athletes than to achieve a PB or make a final – to win any medal is just the icing on the cake.
“We are looking forward to the Kiwi athletes giving people ‘Something to Talk About’ in the French capital.”
