Paralympic New Zealand officially recognised the achievements of boccia player Tom Simeon ©PNZ

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has officially recognised the achievements of boccia player Tom Simeon as part of its Celebration Project.

The project aims to honour the achievements of the country's 209 Paralympians since Tel Aviv 1968.

Simeon was presented with his unique numbered pin and certificate in a special reception at Geneva Healthcare in Auckland. 

He was the first New Zealand representative to compete in boccia at the Paralympic Games, featuring at Atlanta 1996 alongside Henk Dijkstra.

PNZ chief executive Fiona Allan attended the event, alongside Scott Martin of Boccia New Zealand. 

Tom Simoen competed at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta ©Getty Images
Tom Simoen competed at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta ©Getty Images

"We were honoured to be welcomed in Tom’s home surrounded by his friends and supporters and celebrate with them Tom’s Paralympic achievements and ongoing role in society promoting the Paralympic values," Allan said.

"It is Paralympians like Tom who have contributed to New Zealand Paralympic Teams success by representing Kiwis with pride and dignity. 

"Through this success they have inspired Kiwis to think differently about disability."

To date, 83 Paralympians have received their unique numbered pin and certificate at Celebration Project community events.

There are still 126 Paralympians to be acknowledged, with many scheduled to attend upcoming Celebration Project events in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Events have also been held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.