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The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) together with Netball New Zealand today announced the 12-strong Netball team that will represent New Zealand, and defend their Gold Medal, at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. Former NZU21 team member and Northern Mystics player Grace Rasmussen is the new cap in the Silver Ferns side named today and is joined by three re-called Silver Ferns, shooter Daneka Wipiiti and defenders Leana de Bruin and Anna Scarlett who all make a comeback to the team. Aitken said there were some tough selection decisions but that she and the National Selectors were confident the 12 players selected will continue to develop further individually and as a unit over the coming months until the Commonwealth Games in October. I am excited about the team we have selected, Aitken said, Each of these players knows the commitment needed both physically and mentally to win back to back Commonwealth Games Gold Medals Barry Maister was also delighted to name the team today. New Zealand has a proud Commonwealth Games history in Netball, he said. The Silver Ferns have finished on the podium at every games since Netball was first introduced as a Commonwealth sport in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur. I know the players will give it their all to make New Zealand proud in Delhi. New cap Grace Rasmussen impressed National Selectors at the three-day selection camp proving to be a powerful addition to both the shooting and midcourt options for the Silver Ferns. A Silver Ferns Squad Member since 2009, Rasmussens tenacity and determination on and off the court has paid off. Grace is a dynamic and creative player who provides the Silver Ferns with strong options both in shooting and in the midcourt, said Aitken. The Silver Ferns leave for Delhi on the 24th September and will compete against England, Papua New Guinea, The Cook Islands, South Africa and Barbados in Pool Play, beginning 4th October. In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games the Silver Ferns will play Samoa, Jamaica and Australia in the New World International Netball Series. The Commonwealth Games take place in Delhi, India 3 14 October. New Zealands total Commonwealth Games team is expected to number 195 athletes and 100 support staff. The team will come together to honour Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Final selections will be made in early August. Total athlete numbers will exceed 4,000 from 71 countries and will compete in 17 sports. - ends - New Zealand Netball team is: Liana Barrett-Chase Leana de Bruin Temepara George (vice-captain) Katrina Grant Joline Henry Laura Langman Grace Rasmussen Anna Scarlett Maria Tutaia Irene van Dyk Casey Williams (captain) Daneka Wipiiti
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