Canada scores Winter Games team trophy
31 Aug 2009
Canada’s winter athletes carried off the team prize as the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games closed yesterday (30.08.09) at Coronet Peak, in Queenstown.
The Canadian team won 10 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals. The USA was runner up, followed by Japan.
Over 800 athletes representing 40 countries competed in the inaugural Winter Games NZ, held at five locations in and around New Zealand’s Southern Alps. There were 37 events over 10 days.
The closing ceremony featured aerials, a parade of nations down the mountain, and a fireworks display.
World class event
Winter Games NZ chairman, Sir Eion Edgar, said that it had been a fantastic 10 days and it was a credit to the athletes who had made these Games an outstanding world class event.
The level of competition had been extremely high and visiting athletes had raved about their experience, Sir Eion said.
Prime Minister John Key said he was proud to showcase New Zealand to the international athletes. It was testament to the commitment of the athletes that they were prepared to compete in spite of challenging weather conditions.
He also indicated his support for another edition of the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games.
Above expectations
FIS (International Ski Federation) secretary-general Sarah Lewis, who was in Queenstown from Vancouver for the last three days of the Games, said the games were "several notches above the expectations" of the FIS.
"There's no question this has been a huge, huge breakthrough for winter sports in New Zealand," Lewis said.
The technical quality of the facilities and terrain had been high, and an impressive achievement given the difficult weather conditions, she said.
More information:
Snow stars swoop in for Winter Games NZ
Adrenalin-packed day for Canadian athletes
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