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Kaumatua, leader and inspiration Amster (New Amsterdam) Reedy passed away on Wednesday and the New Zealand Olympic Committee honours his memory.

Reedy was an integral part of the development of the One Team, One Spirit approach that was born out of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. It was an approach that placed athletes first, that instilled pride in New Zealand, respect for others in the team and respect for the people of the host nation. These values remain with the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams today.

Traditions including the use of Te Mahutonga (the Maori cloak worn by Olympic flag bearers) and the presence of the Mauri Stone (pounamu touch stone) were developed under Reedys guidance.

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith acknowledged his contribution to Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport in New Zealand.

Reedy was an inspiring leader who made a significant contribution to the culture and spirit of the New Zealand Olympic Team.

His leadership will be missed and we honour the significant contribution he has made to athletes and the Olympic Movement in New Zealand. Our thoughts are with his whanau at this time.

Amster Reedy was the teams kaumatua at Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Torino 2006, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Watch this documentary on the New Zealand Olympic Teams adoption of the One Team, One Spirit philosophy at Athens 2004 here.

 

 


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