Paralympians make a big splash at Kilbirnie

Nov 23rd, 2009 | By Reuben McDougall | Category: Latest News, News, Picture story, Sport

THE 37th New Zealand Paralympic Championships got under way with a splash at Wellington’s Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre.

Performers involved in the celebratory opening ceremony included the Wellington Dive Team, a synchronised swimming team and Mukume Japanese drummers.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast opened the games officially, along with Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Turia.

Television sport presenter John McBeth was MC for the ceremony and introduced regional teams from around the country.

The championships’ prestigious National Regional Trophy was taken out by Auckland by for the eleventh time since 1968.

Share this article:

Tags: diving, drumming, Jack Woods, John McBeth, Kerry Prendergast, Kilbirnie aquatic centre, newswire, opening ceremony, paralympics, photography, swimming, synchronised swimming, Tariana Turia, wellington

Reuben McDougall is a Whitireia journalism student with an interest in cricket, travel and the arts.
Email this author | All posts by Reuben McDougall