Visa has signed on as a supporting partner of Paralympics New Zealand ©Getty Images

Financial giant Visa, a member of The Olympic Partner (TOP) sponsorship programme, have signed on as a supporting partner of Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) ahead of Rio 2016.

The move comes amid Visa’s attempt to extend its portfolio of Paralympic rights as they are also currently working alongside the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The company are the first “official global Olympic and Paralympic partner to join the New Zealand Paralympic Family”, according to PNZ chief executive Fiona Allan.

They will also support PNZ’s “Spirit of Gold” initiative, a long-term scheme aimed at generating funds for New Zealand’s Paralympic athletes.

“Paralympics New Zealand could not be more delighted to welcome Visa as a Supporting Partner,” Allan said.

“Visa is the first official global Olympic and Paralympic partner to join the New Zealand Paralympic Family and we’re very flattered to have their endorsement of our new awareness and fundraising campaign, the Spirit of Gold Initiative."

Visa’s Country Manager for New Zealand & South Pacific Marty Kerr also welcomed the partnership and hopes his company can help the nation’s athletes to success at this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio.

The announcement concerning Visa's partnership came after three shooters were named on New Zealand's team for Rio 2016
The announcement concerning Visa's partnership came after three shooters were named on New Zealand's team for Rio 2016 ©PNZ

“We are excited to partner with the International Paralympic Committee and Paralympics New Zealand, which is a logical extension of our long time global partnership with the IOC,” he said.

“One of our key beliefs at Visa is the need to expand access to efficient, convenient and secure electronic payments for everyone everywhere.

“This reflects our partnership, which is about enabling and supporting our New Zealand Para-Athletes on the world stage in the same way we support our Team Visa Olympic athletes.

“We are excited to see our Paralympians compete in Rio, and could not be more delighted to see them succeed on the world stage.”

The announcement was made after three athletes - Michael Johnson, Jason Eales and Greg Reid - were named as part of New Zealand’s shooting team for Rio 2016.

Johnson will be making his fourth straight Paralympic appearance in the Brazilian city having won medals at each Games he has competed at.

He won gold in Athens before earning bronze at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

New Zealand have now officially named 27 Para-athletes to their team for Rio 2016 from sports such as athletics, cycling, swimming, sailing and now shooting.