It has been rather hectic lately as I attended a PNZ camp at New Plymouth, followed by almost 2 weeks in Mount Maunganui, training in a heat lab, where as well as getting used to exertion in high temperatures and humidity, the physiological effects were recorded.
During our camp in the Mount the PNZ Para-cycling team selection was formally announced, and then on Wed 14th we travelled to North Shore for more work in a heat lab and to attend the presentation of the full PNZ Para team , all sports, to the Paralympics, at Skycity. We were presented with an individually created Pounamu, which was of special significance to me. We also received all our clothing, uniforms etc. Thursday evening we attended a cocktail event, again in Skycity, a farewell for the team, which was attended by all PNZ staff, sponsors, plus the Minister of Sport, and the Prime Minister.
I found it quite moving when the Prime Minister referred to the best wishes and that the team of 5 million would be rooting for us in Tokyo. I was delighted to be able to have a short chat with Jacinda. When hearing that I rode with Morrinsville Wheelers, who have supported me during my journey from rehab to winning the world championship, she told me that family members had also ridden with the cycling club. I thanked her for making the athlete performance grant the same as that received by able-bodied athletes, and Jacinda replied that, it was a statement of fairness.
