Para-shooter Johnson claimed gold at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, also taking a bronze four years later in Beijing, and is the reigning world champion.

Parsons took two medals, including a gold, from the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships last March, and is hoping to build on her bronze medal from Beijing 2008 in London this year.

Sharp, a 100 metres SB13 breaststroke star, is also a contender after coming away from the 2011 IBSA World Championships with two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze, including breaking his own SB13 50m breaststroke world record time.

He has previously won silver and gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004 Paralympics respectively.

Triple Paralympic Games champion Pascoe will be another strong contender for the award after claiming 100 metre breaststroke SB9 gold at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester last year.

The Halberg Awards recognise sporting excellence in New Zealand and aim to raise awareness and proceeds for disability community work.

The winner could also take the supreme Halberg award when the results are due to be announced on February 9 at the Skycity Grand Hotel in Auckland.

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