New Zealand sent a 12 sportspeople strong delegation to the 1976 Olympiad for the Physically Disabled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Political factors involving a South African rugby tour in New Zealand led to a boycott of the 1976 Games by some countries.

New Zealand's role in inviting South Africa to the country led to additional scrutiny regarding their participation in Toronto.

[4] The New Zealand delegation at the 1976 Games included Paul Chambers, Graham Condon, Fred Creba, Ross Hynds, Bill Lean, Graeme Marett, Brian McNicholl, Dennis Miller, Doug Moore, Reuben Ngata, Eve Rimmer, and Jim Savage.

[citation needed] In 1975, his sporting performances, including setting a world record in weightlifting, earned him the title, "South Canterbury Sportsperson of the Year.

Lean would go on to be selected to represent New Zealand for the 1980 Summer Paralympics, but had to miss those Games because of a heart problem.

He then went on to compete at the Toronto 1976 Paralympic Games where he won a Gold medal in the Men’s Shot Put 4 and set a new World Record.

Bill continued to represent New Zealand at the Holland 1980 Paralympic Games where unfortunately he could not compete due to heart problems.

He went to Toronto after having won gold at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Dunedin, where he set a world record lift of 202.50 kg in the heavyweight class.

During the course of his Paralympic career, he competed in several sports including Archery, Athletics, Swimming, and Table Tennis.

[11] He competed at the 1968 and 1976 Games in multiple sports including Athletics, Power Lifting, and Table Tennis.

[16] New Zealand competed in athletic events at the 1976 Games, being represented by Graham Condon, Ross Hynds, Bill Lean, Graeme Marett, Brian McNicholl, Dennis Miller, Doug Moore, Eve Rimmer and Jim Savage.

[citation needed] Creba went to Toronto after having won three medals at the Japanese hosted 1975 East and South Pacific Games.