Supported by the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Agitos Foundation, the project will actively identify, recruit and support disabled athletes who have significant impairments, and provide the required support to assist them to begin swimming with the view of eventually taking part in a competitive environment.

Types of support may include coaching, access to pool and lane space, initial travel to training sessions, camps and competitions.

"The PNZ Para-Swimming Programme continues to go from strength to strength," said PNZ talent identification manager Hadleigh Pierson.

"Through the support from the IPC, we have an exciting opportunity to further grow the programme and ensure we are competitive across all classifications."

Swimmers in the S1-S5 classifications have impairments including significant loss of function in the legs and trunk - spinal cord injuries - amputations of three or four limbs and sever co-ordination problems in three or four limbs - cerebral palsy.

Nikita Howarth was one of four New Zealanders to claim a title at last year's IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal ©Getty Images




Swimming accounted for 12 of New Zealand's Paralympic medal haul at London 2012, including triple gold for Sophie Pascoe, while Mary Fisher and Cameron Leslie were also crowned champions.

At last year's IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal, Pascoe and Fisher claimed five gold medals each, with world titles also going to Leslie and Nikita Howarth, helping New Zealand to finish fourth in the overall medal standings.

Athletes interested in registering for PNZ Express Lane should contact PNZ Talent Identification Manager, Hadleigh Pierson, at [email protected].

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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