Athletes from South Africa, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand at the 2016 Indo Pacific Championships opening ceremony.
The 2016 Indo Pacific Championships officially kicked off this morning with a powhiri lead by local tangata whenua Ngati Kahunguru. New Zealand Olympian Dylan Schmidt led 186 athletes from South Africa, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand into Pettigrew Green Arena, where they will compete over the next five days.
Athletes will bounce it out in individual and synchronised trampoline, double-mini trampoline and tumbling events for Indo Pacific titles. Athlete ages range from 11 up to young adults in the senior open competition.
“Sport is in a unique position to transcend geographical, cultural and political boundaries to bring people together. With all the world’s current troubles, it is events like this that remind us that we are not all so different and share common goals of freedom and friendship. We are excited to be hosting this international event, and being able to facilitate so many new international friendships.” Tony Compier, CEO GymSports NZ.
Local tours and cultural experiences have also been organised to ensure a full Kiwi experience for all nations involved. Heads of delegations, coaches and judges shared a meal at Church Road winery last night and all teams will be immersed in a cultural experience on Sunday morning, sharing waiata, haka and poi, led by the Kahurangi Dance Company.
“It is fantastic for the Hawkes Bay region to host a high-quality international event like this and we encourage locals to go and view the action. It is very unique and we are unlikely to see an event like this back for a few years.” Kevin Murphy, Events Manager Napier City Council.
The event is open to the public over the long weekend with tickets available at the venue or online.
Competition sessions are also being live streamed on the GymSports New Zealand YouTube channel.
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- Member of Ngati Kahunguru approaches international teams in the wero.
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- NZ Olympian Dylan Schmidt in the wero.
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- Hongi between coach Masato Ishida from Japan and Haami Hilton of Ngati Kahungunu
Ends.
More information:
Contact:
Anna Robertson
Communications Manager, GymSports New Zealand
021 42 49 38