New Zealand sports minister congratulates Paralympians
18/9/2008 18:03
Sport and Recreation Minister Clayton Cosgrove today congratulated the New
Zealand team for an outstanding effort at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic
Games.
The New Zealand team has finished a highly successful campaign winning
12 medals including five gold, three silver and four bronze medals.
There
were 27 top-eight placings across six sports, and New Zealanders also set three
new world records among their gold medal finishes.
"I am immensely proud of
the performances put up by our athletes. The high medal tally and three world
records is a superb effort. In addition to those who gained medals, the entire
New Zealand team performed with guts and determination and we can be proud as a
nation of all their efforts," Cosgrove said.
Cosgrove said while it was a
truly team performance with athletes and support staff contributing, he felt
compelled to single out two individuals.
Cosgrove also congratulated
Paralympics New Zealand for the comprehensive planning and support provided to
the athletes.
Paralympics New Zealand is the national sport organization
that, in addition to supporting the team athletes and officials, encourages
opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports.
The
government invested 4.5 million NZ dollars (US$26.8 million) in Paralympics New
Zealand in the four years leading up to this year's competition in
Beijing.
Xinhua
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