The sons of Sir Ed and Tenzing Norgay joined the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team at ceremony to welcome the team to Delhi this evening. The ceremony featured a mix of New Zealand and Indian cultures and centered around the achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay and the naming of Irene van Dyk as flagbearer. It also featured exuberant bollywood style dancers and New Zealand classic song Poi E. Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay had flown to Delhi especially for the occasion. They inspired the team with stories of their fathers achievements, speaking of teamwork, participation, ambition and dedication. After six attempts, six failures, my father kept going, said Jamling Norgay. He never gave up. Its about the person within, said Sir Eds son, Peter. Its hear, lung, psyche and its about being the best you can be. Athlete support team member Alison Fitch said the inclusion of both Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay made the evening very special. Having the pair there made it quite real and you could really feel the spirit of teamwork through the way the two sons interacted. You could imagine how Sir Ed and Tenzing worked together to climb Mt Everest. His Excellency Sir Anand Satyanand also spoke of the inspiration Sir Ed and Tenzing bring to all New Zealanders. Sir Anand is in India to celebrate the games and told athletes how much he was looking forward to cheering them on over the coming ten days. New Zealand Olympic Committee President Mike Stanley commended Dave Currie and his team for their work in preparing the village for athletes. The evening was a wonderful mix of Indian and New Zealand culture, said Dave. The New Zealand team is always proud of its own culture but we make a real effort to honour our hosts. Currie and his team gifted a piece of pounamu to the young people of India as a sign of respect. India is in good hands, said Currie, acknowledging the efforts of the young volunteers and people of India who have helped pull the games together. Irene, Peter and Jamling were also presented with a New Zealand bone pendant designed by Ngati Toa artist Rangi Kipa. Each pendant featured a carved pattern that linked the three taonga together.
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