After being part of Paralympics New Zealand for almost two decades, chief executive Fiona Allan is stepping down from her role, ending one of New Zealand's most successful administrative campaigns.
Allan joined the organisation in 2006 and is proud of how far they've come since, but admits there's still more she'd like to see change.
Allan started working for Paralympics New Zealand 16 years ago after competing in athletics alongside disabled athletes when she was younger - a move which became her motivation.
"Over time, the organisation has grown, and I've grown with it," Allan told Newshub.
"Opportunities I was afforded, I wanted to ensure that others could also have those same opportunities for themselves."
She's been involved in eight Paralympic Games, striving for more coverage at each campaign.
When she began her role, the Paralympics weren't televised at all in New Zealand. At this year's Winter Games in Beijing, every event was broadcast.
"It's not only just the lives of those people participating and representing New Zealand on the world stage, but also changing perceptions of those living with a disability."
And with that coverage brings more resources and support, which have paid off with recordbreaking performances.
Kiwis around the country were inspired by our athletes in the recent summer games, which saw Dame Sophie Pascoe add four more medals to her legacy and Lisa Adams win her first gold.
But despite her success, Allan believes there is still more work to be done.
"What I would like to see in the future is a more equitable New Zealand where more disabled New Zealanders can participate," she revealed.
But that's no longer up to her, officially stepping down in March to spend home time with her growing family.
"I'm just looking forward to taking some time to think about what's next."
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