At this year’s Special Olympics New Zealand AGM, Ryan Smith was elected to the Special Olympics New Zealand Board of Trustees, where he will serve as the Athlete Representative.
Ryan will be supported throughout his tenure by mentor Helen Johnson and brings a wealth of experience to this role having served as the Lower North Island representative on the Athlete Input Council for several years. He is also a graduate of the Special Athlete Leadership Programme, as a member of the class of 2014, and was a mentor to the recently graduated Class of 2024.
As an Athlete, Ryan has been involved with Special Olympics in New Zealand for over twenty years, competing in athletics, basketball, swimming, tenpin bowling, football, powerlifting and alpine skiing as a member of both the Manawatū and Marlborough clubs.
Ryan’s glittering career includes appearances at three National Summer Games and two World Summer Games with highlights including a Gold medal in the 4x100m relay in Athens, and taking part as an athlete torch runner for the Final Leg Torch Run at the 2019 World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.
“I am so honored to receive this new appointment, A special shout out to Grace Payne for all the amazing work she put it and a special thank you to the rest of the board inviting me to take part in this excellent assembly of talented people and look forward in taking my first step in this new exciting journey” said Ryan of his appointment.
The position of Athlete Representative on the Board had previously been held by Grace Payne – who is now serving as a Sargent Shriver Global Ambassador, the highest honour that can be awarded to an athlete in international Special Olympics.
Grace shared this message when reflecting upon her tenure as Athlete Representative “I’ve been so honored to be the Athlete Rep on the board for the last 3 years. Throughout my time I saw the board grow and be open minded when it came to listening to the athletes voice and topics alike. Thank you to the SONZ board for welcoming me with open arms, guiding me, and including me.
Huge shout out to Simone for taking me under her wing and seeing the importance of the athletes. A big thank you to Rowena for always being there and her ongoing support as we continue our journey.
I’m super excited to see what Ryan will bring as I know he will be amazing in the role. I am more than welcome to give any and full support to Ryan and his mentor Helen on their journey on the board.”
Grace was presented with a Ponamu Necklace at the most recent board meeting in recognition for her years of service and hard work as as Athlete Representative. We are incredibly thankful to both Grace and her mentor Rowena Massey for all they contributed throughout Grace’s tenure and so excited to see Grace continue her leadership journey as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.