Paralympics New Zealand, ACC announce partnership

The partnership will be celebrated for the first time when ACC joins PNZ at the AUT Millennium on 7 September 2015 to mark “1 Year To Go” until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) and insurer Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) have partnered, with the aim to inspire those living with an impairment and encourage ACC clients to utilise sport in recovery.

PNZ hopes the collaboration can help identify and support new para-athletes, and deepen their talent pool through to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Tokyo 2020 and future Games. In turn, ACC plans to use the ongoing success of kiwi Paralympians to motivate injured New Zealanders recovering after an accident.

PNZ Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “The synergies between our two organisations are clear, as is our joint passion for encouraging, supporting and promoting social change for the 1.1 million kiwis living with an impairment in New Zealand.”

“Involvement in sport has proven health and well-being benefits that are even more pronounced in those with an impairment. Para-sport is also unique in its ability to empower individuals. That ACC has chosen to partner with us in this way truly underlines the passion, hard work and commitment of everyone that works in the sector.”

ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering commented: “Being able to create and facilitate opportunities for our clients with impairments to try para-sport as part of their recovery and return to independence is just fantastic. Recovery can be a very long road and to be part of a group of equally motivated individuals who are discovering what they can do, rather than what they can’t, is enormously beneficial to that process.”

The partnership will be celebrated for the first time when ACC joins PNZ at the AUT Millennium on 7 September 2015 to mark “1 Year To Go” until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

PNZ will launch their new Spirit of Gold Initiative with 365 children in homemade gold supporters’ costumes taking part in a media shoot with New Zealand’s best Paralympians, including Michael Johnson, Sophie Pascoe, Mary Fisher, Emma Foy and Laura Thompson.

This will be followed by a Para-Fun Day to teach the children about para-sport and disability. The Spirit of Gold Initiative is a long-term campaign designed to increase awareness and raise funds to support para-sport in the community and in the short term, fund those on the road to Rio 2016. Over 50 organisations – including ACC – have signed up to take part in a gold-themed mufti day (encouraging people to wear the colours gold and yellow) to help raise funds.

“As a Paralympian, you always hope that your hard work and success will inspire people,” said Kate Horan, Beijing 2008 medallist in athletics, who is a Rio 2016 hopeful in cycling. “But you also hope that you can help build a lasting legacy for the sports that you love. It is exciting to see ACC partner with Paralympics New Zealand this way, with a shared vision to create tangible ways to inspire and support the Paralympians of tomorrow.”

For more information or to donate to Paralympics New Zealand, visit Paralympics New Zealand's website.