TRACEY LAMBRECHS NAMED PACIFIC GAMES FLAG BEARER

New Zealand Weightlifter and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tracey Lambrechs has been named flag bearer for New Zealands first Pacific Games Team in Papua New Guinea 2015.

At a ceremony hosted by the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby, New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Tony Fautua draped the New Zealand flag around a proud Lambrechs shoulders.

Head of the New Zealand delegation, Natalie Tong, said Lambrechs would represent New Zealand with pride at the games and was thrilled to have her lead the team into the Opening Ceremony on 4 July.

Tracey is an inspirational athlete and senior team member with proven results, Tong said. She embodies all that it means to be an outstanding New Zealander - excellence, pride and determination. 

Lambrechs was excited to be given the honour.

The Pacific Games is a stepping stone and key event for every New Zealand athlete in our team and I look forward to leading them into the stadium. Its a privilege and this opportunity will make my Pacific Games experience all the more memorable she said.

 "Seeing fellow weightlifter Richie Patterson carry the New Zealand flag at the closing ceremony in Glasgow instilled a great sense of pride in me, and I hope to do the same for our team here in Papua New Guinea.

A team of 65 New Zealanders are in Papua New Guinea for the XVth Pacific Games. Competing in Weightlifting, Taekwondo and Football, the games provide an opportunity for New Zealand athletes to secure valuable Olympic qualification points as well as experience first-hand an international multi-sport games environment.

While the Pacific Games are held every four years, Port Moresby 2015 will be the first time New Zealand and Australia have joined the 22 Pacific Island nations competing at the games.

Tong says the athlete village accommodation gives athletes valuable experience as they work towards Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Were staying in brand-new student accommodation with shared dining and recreational facilities, said Tong. Living and training alongside athletes from different sports and cultures is one of the key features of all multi-sport games, and Port Moresby is giving our athletes great experience in this area.

The New Zealand team is made up of 23 athletes competing in football, 35 in weightlifting and seven in taekwondo.

The Pacific Games will be formally opened by his Royal Highness Prince Andrew at a ceremony on Saturday 4 July. The closing ceremony takes place on Sunday 18 July.

ABOUT TRACEY LAMBRECHS

Age: 29

City of Residence: Auckland

Sport: Weightlifting 

Glasgow was the second Commonwealth Games for Tracey. She won bronze in the +75kg category, improving on her 5th placing from the 2010 Games in Delhi.

She placed 2nd at the 2012 Oceania Championships. Tracey has a current Commonwealth Ranking of 3rd for her weight class (75+kg). 

Recovering from wrist surgery In September 2014, Tracey competed in the Auckland and North Island Champs and qualified for the 2015 World Championships in Houston with a total lift of 232kg.