The Paralympic Squad Programme

Mission Statement

To support and direct athletes towards medal winning performances at Paralympic Games.

Vision

Creating a culture of professionalism, achievement and pride through well-resourced programmes, quality coaching and support structures.

Introduction

New Zealand sport has undergone some significant changes in funding and servicing in the past 12 months. Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has worked hard to tailor the New Zealand Academy of Sport (NZAOS) carding system to advantage its athletes and this document will outline how the Paralympic Squad Programme (PSP) will be delivered. The administration of the Paralympic Squad Programme is managed by the Academy Programme Manager, and head coaches / co-ordinators have been appointed to the following sports: wheelchair rugby, swimming, athletics, boccia, cycling, equestrian and powerlifting. A New Zealand Sports Foundation (NZSF) High Performance Manager has been appointed to consult with PNZ to ensure NZAOS services are utilised.

Background

PNZ implemented the PSP in March 1999 to provide additional support and funding to athletes in their build up to the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. The PSP also aimed to identify and provide support to our future Paralympians through the establishment of a development squad.

Individuals in team sports were not initially included but have since been added to the Programme.

The PSP is designed to support NZ's top athletes with a disability in their pursuit of sporting excellence by:-

• Providing sport science and medicine, and, career and education advice at no cost to the athlete through the NZAOS carding system.
• Providing funding and organisational support for international competition.
• Providing coaching support and expertise.

PNZ, as the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for athletes with a disability, administers the PSP for eleven different sports. Athletes need to access the best available coaches and competition within NZ through the able-bodied NSO structure, to enable the athlete to better prepare themselves to represent NZ internationally at the highest level.

The Complete Paralympic Squad Programme Handbook - Version 2.0

For details of specific sports qualifying standards and criteria, contact Paralympics New Zealand's Manager - High Performance

The PSP Squad Handbook is a PDF file (size 2.6 MB), viewable using Adobe's Acrobat Reader.
If you don't already have Acrobat Reader you may download the latest version here -