Today marks the 20 year anniversary since the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

The New Zealand team featured 36 Paralympians, competing across 9 different Para sports. A total of 10 medals (6 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze) were won by the New Zealand team.

The team included 13 ParaFed Canterbury athletes and many support staff also from the region.

Some of the medal winning performances featuring our local Paralympians included:
* GOLD - Wheel Blacks - Wheelchair Rugby
* GOLD - Matthew Slade - Men's 200m T37
* SILVER - Boccia Team - Mixed Team BC1-BC2
* BRONZE - Paul Jesson - Men's Men's Road Race / Time Trial LC3


Some great memories for everyone involved.

For more information on New Zealand at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games visit https://paralympics.org.nz/.../previous.../athens-2004/

Article added: Tuesday 17 September 2024