More than 250 New Zealand Team athletes and team support have arrived in Birmingham ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in four days' time.
A special cultural ceremony has welcomed a range of sports into the Birmingham 2022 NZ Team including boxing, hockey, rugby 7s, gymnastics, and basketball.
Troy Garton, Gold Coast bronze medallist for boxing, said it brings her a lot of pride being welcomed in such a unique way.
“It’s an honour to represent such a culturally diverse team, the togetherness and emotion it brings, you almost want to cry but it’s an overwhelming warm feeling when you’re being welcomed on.”
Men’s hockey player Sam Lane also remarked at the specialness of the NZ Team welcome.
“It's been a long day traveling for everyone here, so to be welcomed in like that is really unique and it just shows the New Zealand spirit that we have. It’s a really good way to start off the Commonwealth Games.”
More athletes and team members are arriving in Birmingham and it’s surrounds ahead of the opening ceremony July 28 local time.
The NZ Team will open its competition with lawn bowls on July 29.
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