Chef de Missions for PyeongChang 2018 appointed

“We are targeting two medals in PyeongChang 2018 and will work with Snow Sports NZ to ensure that the Para athletes have the support required to achieve this.”

Australia and New Zealand announced the appointments of their respective Chef de Missions for the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, set to take place in PyeongChang, South Korea, from 9-18 March.

Nick Dean will be Australia’s head of delegation again, having been Chef de Mission already at the Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games. He was also Deputy Chef de Mission for a further three Winter and two Summer Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2012.

“We have won medals in alpine skiing at every Games since Albertville 1992 and I am looking forward to being part of the team aiming to add to that record,” said Dean.

“This is the epitome of four years of training, competing, setbacks, injuries, success and recovery, but it all comes down to a couple of minutes on a particular day in particular conditions in PyeongChang in 2018.

“It’s a thrill to share the highs and lows of the ultimate competition of the best Para athletes in the world, especially when Australia’s athletes prove themselves at the highest level.”

APC President Glenn Tasker added: “His (Dean’s) work ethic, his experience in managing elite teams and athletes, as well as his proven ability as a Chef de Mission make him an ideal leader of the 2018 Australian Winter Paralympic Team.”

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) appointed Ashley Light as the Chef de Mission for a second consecutive Paralympic Winter Games. Light also contributed to four different Paralympic Games in a variety of roles.

“It is an absolute honour to be named as the Chef de Mission for PyeongChang 2018,” he said.

“The outstanding results of the New Zealand Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Team highlighted the importance of creating a high performance environment for the team during the Games to deliver outstanding results.

“We will focus on creating a support framework where the Para athlete’s needs will drive all Games team decision making. I look forward to continuing the momentum built with the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympians and support staff.”

PNZ Chief Executive Fiona Allan: “New Zealand Para sport has witnessed staggering success and growth in recent years. Last year, New Zealanders showed unbelievable levels of support towards our Rio 2016 Paralympians.

“We are targeting two medals in PyeongChang 2018 and will work with Snow Sports NZ to ensure that the Para athletes have the support required to achieve this.”

More information can be found on the Australian Paralympic Committee’s website and New Zealand’s Paralympics website.