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Countdown to Bangkok 2007 ends
Thursday, August 9th, 2007
Moss Burmester led over 100 New Zealand athletes and officials into the Opening Ceremony at the 24th World University Games in Bangkok last night.
“It’s a big honour and I’m incredibly proud to be able to lead the New Zealand team at an event like this,” said the team captain who is ranked number one going into the 200m Butterfly today.
The kiwi team performed the haka first at the pre-opening ceremony, and then later to the Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn when the team entered the stadium.
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After the parade of the nations, the celebrations throughout the two hour ceremony included a fireworks and laser show, traditional Thai dances and the lighting of the flame.
Chef de Mission of the team Martin Macdonald said there are a lot of talented athletes who are looking at these Games as a development event towards the Beijing Olympics next year.
“This event is definitely a stepping stone for many kiwi athletes. It’s fantastic to have the Games officially opened and the team is prepared and looking forward to the competition that lies ahead,” said Macdonald.
Swimming events today for the New Zealand team include Moss Burmester and Andrew McMillan in the 200m Butterfly, Cameron Stanley and John Zulch in the 200m Backstroke, Glenn Snyders in the 200m Breaststroke and the women’s 4×100m Freestyle relay.
The women’s football team will play Brazil in their second preliminary game. Brazil won the gold medal at the World University Games in Izmir in 2005.
Athletic events tomorrow include Andrea Miller in the 100m Hurdles, James Mortimer in the 110m Hurdles and Jessica Penney in the Long Jump.
Various photos of New Zealanders from the opening ceremony will be available shortly on http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldunigames/
Click on photo for larger image
For more information or media interviews, please contact:
Julia King
Media Manager - NZ team World University Games
Mobile in Bangkok: 0066 847676831
julia.king@sparc.org.nz
