Strengthening the Para sport system

Overview

The PNZ Strengthen and Adapt Plan has been developed to address how the Para sport system works and how improved national and regional collaboration can lead to improved operating approaches and delivery of shared projects that strengthen, align and enhance community Para sport outcomes across New Zealand.

PNZ believes collaboration with members and partner organisations to design, deliver and enable Para sport experiences across all levels of the pathway is integral. The Strengthen and Adapt Plan is about how the system can work together and deliver more successfully on the PNZ Strategic Plan and Sport NZ outcomes, to get more disabled people involved in Para sport and supported along the pathway.

The Plan is anchored to three projects that will commence in 2022:

Collectively Stronger Together

Aims to drive national and regional collaboration to achieve organisational role clarity, strategic alignment, and capitalise on shared expertise to improve operating approaches and deliver on shared initiatives that strengthen, align and enhance community Para sport outcomes across New Zealand.

What will be delivered – more info here (PDF)

What will be delivered – more info here (WORD)

Building the Para Sport Family

A two-part project designed to support Para athletes and coaches through a Para Sport Collective and Para sport coach development. The Para Sport Collective provides in-person camps and virtual support across all Para sports for Para athletes and coaches to build connections, confidence and knowledge through shared experiences and talent enrichment. Coach Development will provide the resources for coaches across non-disabled and Para sport to gain knowledge, capability and confidence and creativity to coach and support Para athletes.

What will be delivered – more info here (PDF)

What will be delivered – more info here (WORD)

Seeing is Believing

A two-part project aiming to change perceptions of disability through the lens of Paralympians, Para athletes and the Paralympic Movement. It combines Para sport learning and lived experiences to inspire both participation and inclusion in school and kura environments. The I’mPOSSIBLE Programme and Para Sport Champions Programme will connect with both disabled and non-disabled tamariki, their teachers and kaiako, schools and kura by opening minds and challenging perceptions, behaviours and choices.

What will be delivered – more info here (PDF)

What will be delivered – more info here (WORD)

The Transformation

PNZ Strengthen and Adapt Plan will see:

  • National and regional collaboration will result in improved operating approaches and deliver on shared initiatives that strengthen, align and enhance community Para sport outcomes across New Zealand.
  • Strengthening the community sport (explore and learn) and talent development steps will get more disabled people and coaches involved in Para sport and supported along the pathway.
  • Knowledge and understanding of teachers and kaiako, and tamariki in school environments will be transformed through Para sport education and lived experiences with more disabled tamariki included and getting active.

For more information about the PNZ Strengthen and Adapt Plan please contact
Melissa Dawson (Strategic Engagement Manager) on mdawson@paralympics.org.nz / 0204 0044 799.