NZ Youth Games Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the New Zealand Youth Games at Claudelands Arena introduces a sports focused weekend for Hamilton as young athletes embark on a serious weekend of competition across multiple sports.

In the spirit of the Olympics, close to 2000 of New Zealand’s top, young athletes paraded into the arena, holding their school or sports club banner. Schools were introduced by MC Nathan Twaddle, Olympic Athlete Advisor.

The official NZ Youth Games Baton was carried in and presented by top Hamilton runner, Jacob Priddey. Jacob said he was proud to be the one chosen to carry in the baton.

“I’m really pleased to have been asked to do this. I think the Olympics are the height of sporting achievement and I hope to get there one day representing my country.”

The Olympic Oath was read by BMX athlete, Siobhan Quintal.

Official Olympic Ambassador, Gold Medallist Nathan Cohen, also spoke at the ceremony. He encouraged students to enjoy their sport. He spoke of talent, hard work and achieving one’s goals.

“The final results are the tip of the iceberg, it’s the hard work that goes into training that gets you across the line and tells you you’ve done everything possible to achieve the best result possible.

“Be the best you can be. Enjoy your sport and the friendships that you make along the way. Celebrate sport for what it is.”

Also in attendance were some of New Zealand’s top sports men and women, including rowers; Juliette Drysdale and Peter Taylor and Black Stick Katie Glynn who signed autographs for students after the ceremony ended.

To complete the welcome, winners of the Waikato RockQuest entertained the athletes and spectators.

U Leisure Event Manager Faye Christensen was pleased with how the ceremony went and is excited for what the next few days of competition holds.

“The quality of athletes is amazing. There are NZ Juniors competing as well as other age group Kiwis and they’re incredible to watch. With stiff competition there’s plenty to come down and see if you’re a keen sports spectator and supporter.”

The NZ Youth Games take place over four days (5-8 December) with more than 2000 secondary school students competing at venues around Hamilton and staying in the University of Waikato’s Halls of Residence.

The New Zealand Youth Games is the largest sporting event in New Zealand for athletes under 19 years of age. It is a unique competition for youth with an Olympic-like atmosphere. In 2013, 14 sports are taking part over four days with around 2,000 elite athletes participating from schools across the country.

The NZ Youth Games are proudly based on the ideals and values of The Olympic Games. Alongside intense competition at the highest level which tests physical and mental strength, a strong focus is on bringing together young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, to embrace the spirit of the Olympic Values: friendship, unity and honour.

All events are free for the public to attend.

To find out where events are being held and to keep up to date with competition results visit: www.nzyg.co.nz and www.facebook.com/nzyg

The New Zealand Youth Games is proudly brought to you in association with the University of Waikato and Hamilton City Council.