PNZ has announced its plans to celebrate all 209 Paralympians who have competed for New Zealand since 1968, including the Rio 2016 team ©PNZ

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) will mark its 50th anniversary by celebrating the achievements of all 209 athletes who have competed for the country since the 1968 Tel Aviv Games.

PNZ has been New Zealand's National Paralympic Committee for 50 years since they sent athletes to the Israeli city.

The organisation has announced its plans to officially recognise and celebrate the achievements of New Zealand's Paralympians over the next two years in the run up to Tokyo 2020.

New Zealand has now competed at 23 Paralympic Games and won 221 medals.

PNZ will hold a series of 12 community events around the country, involving those that have supported the Paralympics over the past five decades.

All 209 of New Zealand's Paralympians will be officially recognised by the Paralympic Movement. 

A photograph of the New Zealand Paralympic team who competed at the 1968 Tel Aviv Games ©PNZ
A photograph of the New Zealand Paralympic team who competed at the 1968 Tel Aviv Games ©PNZ

"It's an enormous honour to represent your country," said Dr. Selwyn Maister, chairman of PNZ.

"Next month will mark exactly 50 years since the first team represented New Zealand at Tel Aviv 1968. 

"To be able to announce plans to officially recognise our 209 Paralympians will be poignant for those many people involved in Para-sport over the past five decades."

Sixteen Paralympians representing New Zealand travelled to the Tel Aviv Games in 1968, winning a gold, two silvers and a bronze. 

At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, New Zealand won 21 medals in total, with nine gold.