Paralympics New Zealand make para-cycling appointment

Dale MacDonald appointed National Development Co-ordinator 11 Jul 2014
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Two female cyclists in black racing suits on a tandem, competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Para-cyclists Laura Thompson (NZL) and Philipa Gray (NZL) at London 2012

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By Paralympics New Zealand

“As part of the PNZ Para-Cycling strategic plan we committed to having full time positions that support our Performance Coaches in each area of the Athlete Development Pathway. Dale’s appointment will allow development athletes and their coaches to be exposed to quality coaching and planning support.”

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has secured the services of former professional cyclist Dale MacDonald as National Development Co-ordinator of the Para-Cycling programme.

Dale is well known in cycling circles and was most recently employed as Coaching Coordinator at Cycling Southland. This role provided MacDonald with the opportunity to work with Southland based Para-Cyclists such as the multi Paralympic medal winning tandem pairing of Phillipa Gray and Laura Fairweather. She was involved in the co-ordination and development of both road and track cycling programmes, supporting coaches and delivering a variety of sessions for cyclists.

MacDonald brings a wealth of international racing experience having competed for six Northern Hemisphere summers as a professional cyclist concluding in 2009.

PNZ’s High Performance Director, Malcolm Humm is delighted to have secured Dale as part of this strong coaching team. She will join Head Performance Coach Brendon Cameron and Performance Coach Jono Hailstone.

Humm says, “As part of the PNZ Para-Cycling strategic plan we committed to having full time positions that support our Performance Coaches in each area of the Athlete Development Pathway. Dale’s appointment will allow development athletes and their coaches to be exposed to quality coaching and planning support.”

MacDonald said, “I am really excited to get involved with a programme that I have admired for a long time, and it’s a privilege to be able to keep giving back to the sport that I love. There is an absolutely fantastic team of people involved in New Zealand Para-Cycling, and I am motivated to help development athletes into this programme, ensuring we continue to lay strong foundations for the future of the sport – in turn, growing more World and Paralympic Champions!”

Dale MacDonald commenced her role on 1 June 2014.

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