Joe's Journey to Paris 2023

I will be representing New Zealand at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris in July 2023. I have always been into sports and am very competitive. Growing up I never really thought I was disabled even though I know I have Cerebral Palsy. CP is a neurological impairment that affects muscles and coordination. Before I was born, I had a stroke. I knew that the right side of my body didn’t work as well as my left, but I never let it hold me back. I was determined to prove that I deserved to play and compete with everyone else. However, I didn’t have an open relationship with my disability. I rarely told anyone that I had CP. I hate talking about it because I look able-bodied and feel able-bodied, but some things are significantly harder for me.

One night at 21 I broke down and finally realised that the way I view my disability needed to change. I decided to try para-athletics and all abilities golf. And as they say, the rest is history, I currently hold 5 Auckland Athletics records over 4 distances and recently came away with 2 silvers at Track and Field Nationals in NZ over 100m and 200m. I’m heading into World Para Athletics Championships and am aiming to reach the 100m finals. I’m trying to raise $9000 to get me there so any help at all would be incredible. I’m honoured to be able to represent not only New Zealand but the disabled community as well.

You can read more about my story here at https://athletics.org.nz/para-sprinter-joe-savours-paris-adventure/

Joe