Para athletes and coaches across the country will learn from each other and high performance sport experts when they unite for the Para Sport Collective from June this year.

Together, the participants represent New Zealand’s future talent across 11 of the 29 recognised Paralympic sports, from wheelchair basketball to para snowboard.

Wānaka resident and Snow Sports NZ sport development manager Sami Corne has been selected to take part in the Para Sport Collective.

Sami has a background in coaching but said she is “taking part more as an observer to learn more about Para Sport and to strengthen, collaborate and connect with others in the industry”.

Sami Corne said the Para Sport Collective provides opportunities to learn, discuss and share knowledge across all para sports.

This will take place across three national in-person camps, and bi-monthly virtual connections over the coming 12 months.

Topics covered will include performance life, performance nutrition, performance physiotherapy, media training, personal brand and sponsorship, strength and conditioning, anti-doping, classification and more.

“The Para Sport Collective is so important as it provides opportunities to learn, discuss and share knowledge across all para sports in New Zealand,” Sami said.

“Technologies, equipment, technique and coaching styles change over time and to be at the forefront, we must collaborate, learn and adapt to new developments.”

The Para Sport Collective, created by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), is supported by ACC.

PNZ set up the Para Sport Collective based on consultation with Para athletes and coaches who saw an opportunity to better support pre-high performance Para athletes and coaches. 

ACC CEO Megan Main said she was pleased to see the Para Sport Collective enter its second year.

“Sport has the power to transform the lives of disabled New Zealanders. Involvement in Para sport is so important to rehabilitation and wellbeing in general,” she said.

PHOTOS: Supplied