Spirit of Gold

Ignited by top Para athletes and fuelled by millions upon millions of spectators around the world, the Paralympic Games drive awareness and social inclusion, encouraging a world without barriers for disabled people and transforming society. Paralympians once again took to one of the greatest stages in the world between 24 August and 5 September 2021 for the 16th Summer Paralympic Games.

Through their amazing successes, Paralympians are incredible role models, challenging societal perceptions of disabled people worldwide. This Games saw a new Universal Design Act introduced to improve accessibility across Japan. Legislation was passed to improve hotel accessibility and Japan aimed for all transport hubs to be 100 per cent accessible by 24 August. Barrier-free infrastructure and transport not only benefits disabled people, but also parents with strollers and an aging population. With the infrastructure remaining for all to access, the Paralympics helped to improve mobility for all. Para sport education is now also part of the Japanese school curriculum nationwide. Children are taught, through the I’mPOSSIBLE programme, that every person has the right to play sport and enjoy life. They are introduced to the Paralympic values and Para sport as a gateway to understanding an inclusive society. Through the changes observed in their children, older generations are being taught how to become more inclusive, making Japan a better place to live. New Zealand sent 29 Paralympians to the Games in Tokyo including 11 returning athletes and 18 first-timers. Across the team six Para sports featured - Para swimming (four athletes), Para cycling (six athletes), shooting Para sport (one athlete), Para athletics (eight athletes), Para canoe (two athletes), wheelchair rugby (eight athletes). Kiwi Paralympians competed in 75 per cent of the finals out of the 49 events contested.

The team gave an admirable performance, taking home 12 medals - six gold, three silver and three bronze - and setting three Paralympic records. New Zealand finished third in the world for gold medals won per capita, fourth in the world for medals won per capita, and 21st in the world for overall medals won. Excitingly, Sophie Pascoe cemented her place as the most successful New Zealand Paralympian of all time, having won a total of 19 medals including 11 gold medals at four Paralympic Games. Paralympics New Zealand says that since the Games, the number of people registering to get started with Para sport has been five times the usual level, with new potential for athletes to pave their way to Paris 2024, Milan 2026 or Los Angeles 2028.