Paula Dixon appointed Assistant Head of Delegation for 2023 Berlin World Summer Games
27 July 2022
Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) is pleased to announce that volunteer Paula Dixon from Wellington has been selected as Assistant Head of Delegation (AHOD) for the 2023 Berlin World Summer Games.
Paula will be supporting the Head of Delegation, Rowena Massey, in supporting a team of 55 athletes and coaches from across Aotearoa to compete alongside approximately 7,000 athletes and Unified Partners from up to 170 countries from 17 – 25 June 2023.
Paula has been a volunteer at Special Olympics Te Whanganui o Tara (formerly known as SO Wellington) for over 20 years across several roles and is currently the Club Chair and head swimming coach. She was also a coach at the 2013 Asia Pacific Games leading a team of 11 swimmers.
Paula says she’s always finds herself in positions where she needs to ensure her team and the people they are serving are well supported, everything is organized, runs smoothly and calmly, and that the AHOD role suits her problem-solving abilities perfectly.
“I’ve always been a behind the scenes person and being able to support Rowena as the Head of Delegation to be her best, and to support the team to be awesome fits me to a tee.”
Paula says she’s ready to take on the challenge and put her best foot forward in order to provide an amazing experience for the SONZ team.
“The cultural experience and getting to visit Berlin is exciting, but first and foremost the reason why I’m involved, and have always been involved in Special Olympics, is to give our athletes the opportunity to shine to the best of their abilities, and create an environment where they can thrive, feel supported and be able to participate, compete and have a really good experience.”
SONZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says she’s pleased with Paula’s appointment and is looking forward to seeing the team and World Summer Games unfold.
“We are delighted to appoint Paula as the AHOD, her commitment to providing great experiences for our athletes along with her administration and management skills – ensures that the Head of Delegation will be well supported and the team will have a great experience at the World Summer Games.”
