New Zealand Team Announced for Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

With only 128 days until the start of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is thrilled to confirm the selection of three top athletes to represent New Zealand at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games in March.

 The team is a mix of one experienced Paralympic gold medallist and two athletes making their debut at Paralympic Games level.  The team includes:

• Adam Hall (Wanaka) – Alpine Skiing - Standing Ski

(Gold medallist at Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games)

• Carl Murphy (Lake Hawea) – Para-Snowboard - Snowboard Cross

(Debut at Paralympic Winter Games)

• Corey Peters (Wanaka) – Alpine Skiing - Sit Ski

(Debut at Paralympic Winter Games).

Fiona Allan (Paralympic New Zealand, CEO) says, “This small but hugely talented team will be heading to Sochi with the target of bringing home 2 gold medals.” She continues, “With the support of High Performance Sport New Zealand, we have worked closely with Snow Sports NZ to ensure athletes are best supported to perform at the Paralympic Games and achieve this target.”

Ashley Light (Sochi 2014 Chef de Mission) returned from Sochi on Monday after a final site inspection.  He says, “The facilities in Sochi are looking amazing with the construction seemingly on target for completion.” He continues, “It’s great to be able to confirm the team so early in the piece, it allows the athletes to continue their build up to a peak in March without the distraction of selection issues.  All three of the athletes have proven they are able to consistently compete and achieve at the highest level of their respective disciplines, they have high expectations of themselves and each other.  Our job as the PNZ support team, will be to ensure those high expectations are met.  I am excited about the teams prospects and driving the campaign to success in Sochi.”

Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games take place from 7 – 16 March 2014.

-ENDS-