Paralympics New Zealand Appoint Coach Performance Manager

Experienced sporting coach and administrator John Bowden has been appointed by Paralympics New Zealand as its newly established Coach Performance Manager.

Fiona Pickering, Chief Executive of Paralympics New Zealand, said that the new Coach Performance Manager role had an increased High Performance focus. “John’s main objective is to lead the implementation of the PNZ Coaching Plan, including the overall management and direction for our High Performance coaches to ensure that all Paralympic athletes are coached by highly capable coaches”.

As a former teacher at Auckland Grammar, a professional athlete (athletics) and a professional coach, Bowden has a wide array of skills and coaching leadership which PNZ feel will be very beneficial to its coaches and athletes.

“We are excited that John is joining our High Performance Team. Supporting our coaches is a high priority and having someone with John’s coaching credentials, experience and passion for developing and growing people; will enhance our coaches and in turn give our athletes the best opportunity to perform,” says PNZ Performance Director, Grant Sharman.

“It will be a privilege to be working with an organization that is passionate about high performance coaching. I am excited to be able to work alongside PNZ High Performance coaches and to add value to their programmes and plans. It will be a special three years leading to the 2012 Paralympics as the coaches help prepare PNZ athletes to become medal winning Paralympians,” says Bowden.

Bowden commences the role immediately and is already planning to make contact with coaches over the coming month. Part of his role is the development of PNZ’s coaching plan as well as facilitating the access of coaches of Paralympic athletes to NZAS carded coach programmes. He will primarily work out of the Auckland PNZ office, but will travel around New Zealand to work with various Paralympic Coaches and their athletes.

For more information contact:

Fiona Pickering

DDI: (09) 526 0761 Mob: 027 248 4828

John Bowden

DDI: (09) 526 0766 Mob: 027 546 5836

Paralympics New Zealand Proudly supported by:

Principal Sponsor
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand

Supported By
SPARC | NZAS | Lion Foundation | STATE

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