The road to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

Hi my name is John Tuki, I’m the head coach for the NZ Para Table Tennis team. I’ve been in this role for about 8 years in which I love doing with a passion as it’s hugely rewarding.

It also makes me appreciate life even more, especially when I hear the horrific stories on how some of my athletes got their disabilities. It’s heartbreaking, however their attitudes to coping and dealing with their daily struggles and the commitment they make every week to becoming better athletes is truly inspiring.

Within my time with the team, our players have developed a unique style and set of skills that have led them to competed in over 25 self funded international tournaments with amazing results, winning over 60 medals.

Because we have never been able to secure any funding, this has never stop them from achieving their goals and dreams of making it to the pinnacle of all tournaments, the Paralympics but we would really appreciate your help in getting these amazing athletes, to attend two major tournaments this year to help them qualify for The Paralympics in Tokyo next year.

Funds will go directly to our national governing body which is Table Tennis New Zealand who will disburse the funds accordingly .