Strength in numbers for talented group
Official numbered pins presented during Kara¯ piro ceremony
Waipa¯ District Council was proud to host an impressive array of New Zealand’s finest para sporting talent last week, in a moving ceremony held in the Sir Don Rowlands Centre in Kara¯piro.
The six Paralympians, Danielle Aitchison — Paralympian #211 (Para athletics); Sarah Ellington — Paralympian #213 (Para cycling); Robert Hewitt — Paralympian #216 (Wheelchair rugby); Eltje Malzbender — Paralympian #220 (Para cycling); Nicole Murray — Paralympian #222 (Para cycling) and Anna Taylor — Paralympian #225 (Para cycling), debuted in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in August last year.
The ceremony was their moment to receive the official numbered pin that is presented to every individual who represents New Zealand at the Paralympic Games.
The official Paralympian “number” is a number that is given to a Paralympian once they have competed at their first Paralympic Games. Paralympics New Zealand assigns numbers to para athletes in alphabetical order within each Paralympic Games.
One of the Paralympians to receive their pin was para cyclist Nicole Murray, of Nga¯hinapo¯uri, whose family applauded loudly when she arrived on stage.
“This ceremony is such a meaningful moment. I’m getting to relive the emotions I felt during the Paralympics. My parents weren’t able to be at Tokyo 2020 because of Covid, so it’s awesome to share this occasion and those memories with them,” said Nicole.
Waipa¯ District Mayor Jim Mylchreest helped present the pins to the Paralympians on stage. He shared how moved he was to see their talent and tenacity, most of whom live in the area.
“Witnessing your talent, and your tenacity, as you represented New Zealand with the greatest dignity in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games — I am humbled and proud to be able to celebrate you receiving your official numbered pin tonight.”
Paralympics New Zealand CE Fiona Allan said: “Since 1968, 226 New Zealand Paralympians have stunned supporters and competing nations, with determination, heart and courage, across 26 Paralympic Games winning a staggering 236 medals.
“Through their performances and personal stories, New Zealand Paralympians have inspired all New Zealanders to think differently about disability and by doing so they have contributed to creating a more inclusive New Zealand.”