Best of luck to Paralympic athletes

The 14th Paralympic Summer Games begin in London this week and Labour is right behind New Zealand’s 26 athletes, says Labour’s Sport and Recreation spokesperson Louisa Wall.

“This is elite level sport and our athletes will have stiff competition,” Louisa Wall said.

“The Kiwi team will be competing in seven sporting disciplines (athletics, cycling, equestrian, rowing, sailing, shooting and swimming) and have set themselves a target of 18 medals.

“Sixteen members of the team will make their Paralympic debut including the youngest team member, 13-year old swimmer Nikita Howarth from Cambridge while Beijing medal winners Michael Johnson (shooting), Sophie Pascoe (swimming) and Daniel Sharp (swimming) will also be competing.

“I wish the team all the best for the games. I’ll be watching the coverage and following their progress with great interest and I hope other Kiwis will get behind them too,” Louisa Wall said.

To follow the Kiwi Team’s progress and to check out the schedule of events visit http://www.paralympics.org.nz/index.htm