New Zealand launch Rio 2016 volunteer programme

With two years to go until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the New Zealand Paralympic Committee has launched its volunteer programme for assistants.

Like all National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), Paralympics New Zealand will be allocated a number of volunteers in the role of NPC assistants for the duration of the team's stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Paralympics New Zealand is looking for committed and proactive individuals who value teamwork, diversity and inclusion, and are energetic and responsible.

London 2012 Paralympic Games NPC assistants Carol Tyrrell and Elizabeth Sheenan find it hard to put into words what an amazing experience it was to be a NPC assistant to the New Zealand Paralympic team.

Tyrell said: “I would recommend anyone to go for it and go prepared to do anything and ready to think on your feet.

“It was wonderful to share the successes of all the inspirational athletes and to have a real 'hands on' part in what must be one of the greatest shows on earth - I'd do it all again at the drop of a hat.”

Sheenan added: “Being part of the team with the New Zealand athletes was amazing - the buzz of the Paralympic village, Opening Ceremony and seeing the athletes giving their all. I can't put it into words what an amazing experience it was.”

As part of the role, volunteers will be the "eyes and ears" of the New Zealand Paralympic Team and become a key part of the team during the Games, as well as meeting some of New Zealand's biggest Paralympic stars.

The programme offers an opportunity for an NPC to identify certain individuals that it wishes to request to fill the role of NPC assistant.

Fiona Allan, Chief Executive of Paralympics New Zealand, said: “We ideally want to offer opportunities to locals from Rio with New Zealand heritage or connections to ensure they have an affinity to our team.

“International volunteers are also welcome, however, they will be responsible in full for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs.”

Applicants must be 18 or over by February 2016, be competent in English and ideally speak Portuguese. They must be available from 31 August to 21 September 2016.

The application process will close on 15 November 2014.

For more information on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme and to register, go to Paralympics New Zealand website.