Opening Ceremony Proves To Be A Highlight

The New Zealand team felt totally inspired and awestruck by the opening
ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games late Saturday
afternoon (New Zealand time).

The opening ceremony started the March 12-21 Games where two Kiwi athletes,
Adam Hall, 21 from Otago and 24-year-old debutant, Peter Williams from
Auckland, will take part in skiing events.

Hall is the first of the two Kiwi athletes to compete, with the Super G set
to start at 7.30am on Monday 15 March (New Zealand time)., weather
permitting.

The opening ceremony was in front of a capacity 55-60,000 spectators in an
air-controlled BC Place Stadium. This meant all taking part could wear
t-shirts, rather than heavy jackets and equipment for the heavy snow
outside.

New Zealand Chef de Mission, Jon Turnbull said the opening was fantastic to
be part of.

"It was pretty special. Awesome really And pretty powerful. But all of the
hard work in the build up means nothing now. It's all up to performance
under pressure now," says Turnbull.

"The boys enjoyed the opening and had big smiles from ear-to-ear. For Adam
to carry the flag was a huge buzz for him. I think the biggest part for us
all was the moment you walk in and hear you nation and see the flag. It was
also a big highlight when the flame and cauldron was lit and the stories
behind those who carried the torch. It created the most impact," says
Turnbull.

As a result of heavy snow there is a chance some events may be rescheduled
on the first couple of days.


www.paralympics.org.nz

http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/