Snows Sports NZ Awarded Grant by the Agitos Foundation

Snow Sports NZ is delighted to have been awarded a grant by the Agitos Foundation.

The Agitos Foundation, which takes its name from the Paralympic Symbol (the Agitos) and comes from the Latin meaning “I move”, was created by the IPC to fulfil its strategic goal in terms of development and education. It acts as a catalyst supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, through the impact of sport and physical activity.

Through developing sport opportunities, the Foundation aims to improve the life experiences of people with an impairment around the world, leaving a long-lasting mark on a more inclusive society.

Snow Sports NZ is responsible for delivering Paralympic pathways in New Zealand from grass roots through to high performance in adaptive snow sports. Snow Sports NZ in conjunction with Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) intends to identify and promote development pathways for youth skiers and snowboarders with a specific focus on female athletes. This project will look to identify, retain and develop athletes with potential for future Paralympic success. The project will focus on five key areas:

1. Talent identification camps - Three camps will focus on skill development with training provided by current Paralympic coaches.

2. Mentoring - Current Paralympic athletes will be involved in talent identification camps as mentors for future athletes.

3. Classification - Identified athletes will be officially classified for future competition.

4. Coach development - Able-bodied coaches will be invited to attend and learn alongside adaptive coaches to develop an awareness of the capabilities of adaptive athletes. These coaches will then be added to a database and invited to future training, including Technical Official training.

5. NZ & AUS collaboration – Australia will be invited to the final talent identification camp. A future joint NZ/AUS youth race circuit will be planned.

This project ultimately aims to identify and support emerging talent with a strong focus on women and youth. 

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