International Collaboration Enhances Disability Sport Pathway

The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones, New Zealand sporting legend, Sir Murray Halberg and the Executive Director of Federation of Disability Sport Wales, Jon Morgan are among special guests attending an event to celebrate the developing disability sport relationships between New Zealand and Wales.

Hosted by Paralympics New Zealand and the Halberg Trust, the event on Thursday 8th September also marks International Paralympic Day celebrations in New Zealand.

Chief Executive of Paralympics New Zealand, Fiona Pickering says the Welsh Government and Paralympics New Zealand have signed a MoU committing to base New Zealand’s Paralympic athletes in Swansea leading into the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

“Paralympics New Zealand has a proud sporting history at the Paralympic Games and we are excited about furthering our relationship with Wales, where all the Oceania Paralympic Committee nations are also choosing to base themselves,” she says.

“Several athletes and staff from Paralympics New Zealand have frequented Swansea and Wales already and discovered first-hand the outstanding quality of the training facilities and accommodation.”

“I am very confident Wales is the perfect place to base the Paralympics New Zealand team in the lead up to the Games,” says Ms Pickering.

The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones says the Welsh Government is committed to providing the necessary support to all New Zealand’s athletes in their immediate preparations prior to the London Games.

“Wales is committed to providing a first class environment for New Zealand’s athletes and the combination of world class training facilities, proximity and quality of accommodation, access to state of the art support services together with a Welsh welcome that is second to none, is a compelling offer which has resulted in Paralympic New Zealand’s decision to choose Wales,” he says.

Rt Hon Carwyn Jones adds he is delighted to be in New Zealand to celebrate the international collaboration at the time of the Rugby World Cup.

“Wales has a long sporting tradition in competing with New Zealand across many sports and particularly rugby union.”

“On Friday I look forward to attending the All Blacks opening match against Tonga, and of course, our own opening fixture against South Africa in Wellington on Sunday,” he says.

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (Disability Sport Wales) is recognised by the Welsh Government as its lead organisation for the development of sport and physical activities for disabled people.

The Federation, led by CEO Jon Morgan has grown its community programme from 1,200 participation opportunities per year in 2002, to 980,000 in 2010/11.

Over this period, Welsh Paralympians representing Great Britain have doubled in number to 31 athletes in Beijing, where they won 25% of Team Great Britain’s gold medal haul.

“Our partnerships with Paralympics New Zealand and Halberg Trust provide a unique opportunity to create a legacy that lasts well beyond the lifetime of the London 2012 Games. What better time than on International Paralympic Day to announce this exciting initiative,” says Mr Morgan.

Halberg Trust spokesperson Nicki Turner says the Halberg Trust is entering into a partnership with Disability Sport Wales which will further explore best practice between the two nations in the area of community disability sports development.

“Wales is consistently achieving above expectations, right from grass roots participation through to elite Paralympic level.”

“This is a reflection of the country’s commitment to prioritise disability sport across the board, and the partnership between Wales, Paralympics New Zealand and the Halberg Trust presents a great example of an international collaboration that will no doubt enhance New Zealand’s disability sport pathway – from participation to elite competition,” says Ms Turner.