NZ team gets funding from across the ditch

Wheelblacks captain Jai Waite has accused Paralympics NZ of 'shifting the goalposts' over funding. Photo / Greg Bowker

The national wheelchair rugby team's upcoming tour will be paid for by Australia after an application for funding was rejected by Paralympics New Zealand.

The Australian Paralympics Committee awarded the Wheelblacks A$15,000 (NZ$19,600) to attend the Super Series, starting April 25, after Wheelblacks captain Jai Waite warned they could not play because of funding issues.

"It's really big of the Aussies, considering how unusual it is for a Government-supported organisation to be paying for a New Zealand team," says Waite.

"Hopefully we can get them over here at some stage to repay the favour."

Australian officials have warned Paralympics New Zealand and the Wheelblacks that they could face legal action for potential loss of earnings if the team did not attend the tournament, which also involves England and Canada, because of television rights and the large audience it attracts.

Australian Paralympics Committee communications manager Tim Mannion said the decision was made by the APC, following consultation with PNZ and the Wheelblacks.

No longer eligible for funding from PNZ, the Wheelblacks accepted the offer in good faith.

Paralympics New Zealand chief executive Fiona Pickering said because PNZ no longer funded the Wheelblacks any financial losses would not be its responsibility and should be covered by the team.

Despite achieving specific performance criteria set by PNZ, the Wheelblacks do not qualify for any financial assistance.

"In terms of funding, PNZ keep shifting the goalposts," says Waite.

But Ms Pickering says the Wheelblacks have a clear set of goals, one being the need to demonstrate top four performances to show they are on track for medals at the London Paralympics in 2012.

Ms Pickering said the Wheelblacks probably expected a funding cut, but not a total loss of funding.

Waite says the writing has been on the wall after sliding from first in Athens 2004 to fifth in Beijing two years ago.

Wheelblacks coach Greg Mitchell sees the Sydney tournament as a key event to prepare for the upcoming World Championships in Vancouver this September.

"Because of our location, we don't get the chance to play against top teams"

"It's a good stepping stone for players to play at that level".

Because of a lack of funding and declining support from PNZ the possibility of competing at the World Championships in six months' time looks slim.

Waite says a Lion Foundation grant will cover flights to Vancouver but the team needs another $64,600 to cover registration, food and accommodation.