Paralympic swimmer joins World Masters Games 2017 ambassador programme

Four times Paralympic swimming gold medalist and world record holder at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympics, Duane Kale, has been announced as an ambassador for the World Masters Games 2017, the world’s largest multi-sport event that kicks off in Auckland in just over a year.

Kale’s appointment was announced by World Masters Games 2017 Chief Executive Jennah Wootten as part of the opening of registrations for the global sporting festival. “We are delighted to welcome one of New Zealand’s greatest Paralympians to our group of ambassadors. Duane is both an outstanding athlete, and an outstanding sports administrator, as reflected by his roles as Chef de Mission at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games and as a board member for Paralympics New Zealand and the International Paralympic Committee.”

“We are extremely proud to have put together the largest ever Para-Sport programme in the history of the World Masters Games movement. Duane is passionate about opportunities to advance Para-Sport, so the fit is great for all involved.”

As well as becoming an ambassador, Kale is also one of the first 10 WMG2017 participants to register for the Games.

Kale says the opportunity to be involved as an ambassador for World Masters Games 2017 matches perfectly with his belief in the unique ability of sport to create social change. “The coming together of athletes to a multi-sport event such as the World Masters Games brings a wide range of people into one place with a common purpose.

“The values of sport which encourage camaraderie, competition, personal success and growth are ones I am always delighted to be part of and World Masters Games 2017 epitomises these very values,” he says. 

Kale has registered to compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle swim events which form part of the Para-Sport swimming programme.

Registrations for the Games close 31 January, 2017. Places in some sports are limited so those interested in competing should register promptly. Information about the Games, the sports, pricing and payment options can be found at www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz