Jane Stevens (pictured above with the PNZ Team) was named Chef de Mission last November, now amongst it all in Beijing with the NZ Paralympic Team competing at the Paralympic Winter Games, which commenced last week.
Old Girl Jane Stevens can usually be found on slopes coaching adaptive snow sports in her role as Adaptive Snow Sports Manager at Snow Sports NZ. Commented to PNZ in November 2021 on her selection:
“I am so excited to be able to support these three fantastic athletes to give their best, at what is the pinnacle for them in their sport. They are incredible representatives of what New Zealand can do, and what life with a disability can look like. Adam, Corey and Aaron will inspire a new generation of snow sports enthusiasts – both disabled and not. I urge all New Zealanders to show their support by making sure to catch their performances on TV.“
Stevens’ lifelong vocation has been empowering disabled people to enjoy snow sports. A veteran who has coached Para athletes through more than one Winter Paralympics, Stevens is elated to be appointed to the Chef de Mission role for what will be a Winter Paralympics with unique challenges:
“It is an absolute privilege to be Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. This will be a Winter Paralympics unlike any we’ve had before. The physical and mental wellbeing of every Paralympian, Para athlete and support staff member is the number one priority for PNZ, and our planning reflects that. Beijing 2022 and the IPC are committed to delivering the Winter Paralympics in a COVID-safe environment, and we are working closely with them whilst fully ensuring our own high safety standards are met.“
The New Zealand Paralympic Team departed New Zealand late November 2021 for northern hemisphere competitions in Canada and Europe.
Further biographical information on Jane, published on the PNZ Website:
Jane is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience in adaptive snow sports having specialised in the area for over 35 years. She plays a critical leadership role with the New Zealand High Performance Para athletes through event entry, coaching assistance and operational organisation. Jane has coached in NZ and around the world.
Previously Jane has been the Head Coach of the British Disabled Ski Team, she is the Adaptive Course Manager for the NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance) and holds qualifications in NZSIA, BASI and the Canadian System. Jane sits as the Australasia representative on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Jane sits on the World Para Alpine Skiing Technical Committee of the IPC representing Asia and Oceania.
Jane has been with Snow Sports NZ for over ten years and has been an integral part of the Adaptive Program and the athletes Paralympic success over the past four Winter Paralympics. Previous PNZ roles include Head Coach for the NZ team for the 2006 Torino Paralympics and Assistant coach 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics.
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