We are very sad to hear of the passing of Jim McKie.

A ParaFed Canterbury Life Member, Paralympics New Zealand Order of Merit recipient, and an amazing contributor to Paralympic sport over many years.

Jim had recently turned 99 years of age.


Original post via the Paralympics New Zealand Facebook:
It is with sadness that we share that PNZ Order of Merit recipient Jim McKie passed away this week. Jim was recognised for his outstanding service to Paralympic sport and PNZ in 2001 when awarded the Order of Merit. At that time he was also inducted as a ParaFed Canterbury life member.

Jim was the first ever CEO of the NZ Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Federation, which become Paralympics New Zealand in 2007. In the role of Secretary he took the first ever New Zealand Paralympic Team to the Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games.

During an interview with Jim in 2018 he said: “the Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympics was an incredible learning experience for both athletes and management. These Paralympics provided a platform for what we now know as the Paralympic Movement and PNZ in New Zealand today.”

Article added: Friday 31 May 2024