Most Colourful, Beautiful Well-Organised Ceremony

The Most Colourful, Beautiful Well-Organised Ceremony

An ecstatic Irene van Dyk led around 150 New Zealand athletes and support staff into the Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium tonight to celebrate the opening of the 19th Commonwealth Games and a ten day festival of sport and culture.

Joined by Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay, the team marched in black with white khata draped around their necks. The khata symbolizes peace and friendship and is associated with Sir Ed and Tenzing who are the motivation and inspiration behind this year’s New Zealand Commonwealth Games Team. Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay were invited to represent their fathers.

Van Dyk said the ceremony was the “most colourful, beautiful and well-organised games I have ever been part of.” “It was fantastic to walk in with the flag and know you’ve got the rest of the team behind you,” she said.

Chef de Mission Dave Currie also spoke very highly of the event.

“The show itself represented the vibrancy, colour and diversity of India. It was outstanding,” he said. “Organisationally it was seamless in both getting to and from the ceremony. India should also be congratulated for bringing athletes into see the show as this is the first time this has happened. It was just outstanding.”

Andrea Miller who will represent New Zealand in the 100m hurdles at the games said she was proud to be a New Zealander and felt the importance of the occasion. “It was pretty special,” she said. “We were thinking that the next time we are here will be walking on the track for our event.”

New Zealand’s first female wrestler Sian Law said the experience was amazing. “You could hear the crowd roar before we got into the stadium. I had goosebumps and was so proud. Everyone was so excited.”

The exuberant ceremony featured stunningly costumed drummers and dancers from the different regions and cultures of India and its 4000 year history. A symbolic train journey honoured the people of India from shop owners and farm workers to Bollywood stars and government officials.

The event ended with the theme song from Slumdog Millionnaire and was the stand-out part of the evening for athlete support team member and Olympian Dave Kosoof. “The song at the end with the fireworks was awesome.”

Kosoof had been one of the operations staff who had first arrived in Delhi to set the village up for athletes.

“After all we’d been through it was a feeling of both excitement and relief to finally have the games underway.”

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was present at the ceremony to represent Her Majesty the Queen. Reading a message from the Queen, Prince Charles said the Commonwealth Games were an inspiration for all countries to work in peace throughout the world.

The Commonwealth Games will see 191 New Zealand athletes compete in 17 sports over ten days of competition.

Let them know how great they looked!
04 October 10
Support the team and tell them how great they looked at our team facebook page - www.29028.co.nz/nz29028.

A Ceremony of Olympic Proportions
04 October 10
Sports commentator Joseph Romanos writes...

I felt very happy for the Indian people last night while sitting in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium watching the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

It was an opening ceremony of Olympic proportions and a magnificent showcase for Indian music, dance and culture. For the past month the world’s press and a good many sports officials of the Commonwealth have been indulging in target practice, with India the bull’s-eye. There have been vociferous complaints about the security issue, health concerns, and unfinished facilities, especially the athletes’ village. Even the Delhi mosquitoes have come in for a bashing.

The Indians have had to take the criticism on the chin, while assuring anyone who would listen that things would be alright on the night. Well, the night came, and they were.

The village is full of athletes, the sports arenas are ready and the Indians put on a dazzling opening ceremony. The 60,000 crowd tonight let everyone know how they felt. The huge Indian team received a thunderous ovation when they entered the stadium. Indians are proud of their country, and their athletes. Whenever the chief minister of Delhi’s name was mentioned, there was rousing applause and cheering. Spectators knew she had come through and co-ordinated the final stages of the preparations when it seemed time was running out.

Conversely, Commonwealth Games Federation chairman Mike Fennell received a cool reception, sprinkled with boos. So did the chairman of the games organising committee. It has been galling for the Indians to know they were becoming a laughing stock of the world, and they knew who they held responsible.

The opening ceremony will be recalled for the “aerostat”, the massive helium balloon – the world’s largest – which hovered over the field, looking for all the world like one of those unwanted visitors on Independence Day. It was the focal point of the ceremony and was used brilliantly. My favourite part of a ceremony that ranged from ancient India through a tribute to Mahatma Ghandi to Bollywood was “The Great Indian Journey”, which was a look at India through the ages, to the accompaniment of a throbbing beat that was both appealing and enchanting. The colour, vibrancy and energy of the three-hour ceremony was astonishing, a triumph for the Indian organisers.

The Indians came up with a couple of innovations for the march-in. It began only 25 minutes after the opening ceremony got under way, meaning the athletes were able to be present for most of the proceedings, which is unprecedented at a major opening ceremony. Organisers don’t generally consider the athletes a priority. Some teams marched in anti-clockwise and others clockwise, meaning all the spectators got a good view of at least some.

The term “marching” should not really be used any more. Teams once took pride in how they entered and presented themselves. But tonight many of them were an unruly rabble, with Australia possibly the worst offender. It is not a good look when those marching break off to do spot television interviews or to greet friends in the crowd while doing their circuit of the stadium. New Zealand had their usual unscripted moment. Previously they have caused tongues to wag by doing a haka while making their circuit. Tonight they wandered off to the side after competing half a lap.

Flagbearer Irene van Dyk, who looked stately and proud, headed for the side. I thought initially she might be looking for an early night, with a netball match looming tomorrow. Some of her netball team-mates appeared to follow her. But it was nothing like that. Dave Currie, the team chef de mission, marched in the final row, which was very good of him (many previous games team bosses have insisted on being in the front row). When Currie got to the area where the team was converging, he could see something was amiss and made inquiries. It transpired the New Zealanders were supposed to take their ringside seats at that point, but some wires had been crossed. No damage done but it was a story to tell the folks back home.

My favourite marching teams were Bermuda, as always, with their famous Bermuda shorts, and Swaziland, resplendent in purple suits. It was most heartening to hear the generous cheering for Pakistan. India and Pakistan, though neighbours, are not exactly on friendly terms and it was encouraging that the Pakistani athletes were so warmly welcomed – a plus for sport, and for the Commonwealth Games. Of course, we’re all here for sport and thank goodness that time has arrived.

But the opening ceremony did give those of us who are visitors pause for thought. This is India, with an overwhelming population of more than 1.3 billion. They have problems we inNew Zealand can’t even conceive of. I’ve certainly never seen so many volunteers so genuinely trying to be helpful. If the games go as well as the opening ceremony they will be a roaring success, despite all the head shaking of the past few weeks.

Joseph Romanos.

EARLIER

Opening Ceremony Excitement
03 October 10
Around 150 New Zealand athletes and team officials are preparing to march in the Delhi Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

“We’ve had a really positive response from athletes,” said Dave Currie, Chef de Mission. “Opening Ceremonies are always a highlight and our athletes are keen to be part of the team as they enter the stadium tonight.”

Irene van Dyk will carry New Zealand’s flag ahead of the black and silver clad team into the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at 1930h Delhi time tonight.

New Zealand’s first female Commonwealth Games wrestler, Sian Law, is excited about the evening ahead.

“There’s a real hype about being here and being surrounded by so many positive athletes, she said. “Everyone’s in the same frame of mind; you can feel it in the air.

“It actually gives me goose bumps when I think about marching in and representing New Zealand.”

For some athletes the ceremony will be enjoyed from the comfort of the “Red Beach Grandstand” at the team lounge. Hockey Women, Table Tennis, Swimming and Badminton all compete the next day and have to elected to stay behind. The cyclists have also decided to miss the march.

The athletes will be dressed in black with a white silk khata. A symbol of peace, friendship and respect for the host nation, the khatas are also closely associated with Sir Edmund Hillary. The khatas were gifted by the Hillary and Norgay families last night at a function to welcome the team to India.

“Of course we’re wearing black,” said Dave Currie. “The 29028 theme will also feature in our uniform and we’ll be marching with pride for New Zealand.” Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay will also march in the ceremony and represent their fathers who are the inspiration behind the team.

For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, athletes will march into the stadium and be seated in time to enjoy the celebrations. Traditionally, athletes have marched last.

“It’s about the athletes,” said Currie. “We pushed hard for a change in protocol and I’m delighted to say we were successful.

For the first time, athletes will be able to enjoy the fantastic show ahead.”

Logisitcs ahead of an Opening Ceremony are always a challenge and organizers have been working hard to coordinate around 4,000 athletes and support staff to leave the village and join bus convoys to the stadium around 20 minutes drive from the athletes’ village.

“It’ll go like clockwork,” said Currie, with a wry smile. “We’ll assemble downstairs at 4pm and head to the transport mall. Athlete departures are in waves of 20 buses.”

The ceremony will begin at 1900h with athletes marching in shortly afterward. New Zealand will march at 1930h. The Queen’s Baton will arrive at the stadium at 20:26 hours after completing its’ 170,000kms journey across the Commonwealth’s 71 Nations and Territories. The Baton will be received by HRH The Prince of Wales who will read The Queen’s message, which ends with the opening of the Games.

The President of India will then deliver her address and signal the commencement of the Games.

Irene van Dyk a Popular Choice
03 October 10
Irene van Dyk was an understandably popular choice when she was named as the 2010 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team captain this evening.

New Zealand team chef de mission Dave Currie’s announcement that van Dyk had been accorded the honour drew a rousing round of cheers from the team, and a standing ovation from van Dyk’s netball team-mates. It was one of from a memorable games village welcoming ceremony in Delhi.

It is a considerable honour for van Dyk, who represented South Africa for the first six years of her international netball career. She played in one Commonwealth Games for South Africa, in 1998. Delhi will be her third for New Zealand, and so far she has won one games gold and one games silver. She switched national allegiances in 2000 and hasn’t looked back since. She is about to play her 100th test match for the Silver Ferns, not counting all the internationals she played for South Africa.

It seems odd to recall now that when van Dyk was chosen for New Zealand by Yvonne Willering, there was widespread criticism, with suggestions that she was nothing more than a netball mercenary. Talk like that stopped years ago. Van Dyk has given the Silver Ferns yeoman service. Despite some physical - and sometimes over-physical - attention from opposing defenders she has proved a rock for New Zealand, invariably shooting magnificently and doing all she can to encourage her team-mates. She’s 38 now, which is long in the tooth for a top netballer, and it’s a tribute to her determination and application that she is still among the first players chosen in any New Zealand team.

New Zealand has honoured van Dyk in many ways. She was Sportswoman of the Year in 2004 and last year was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit. But tonight’s announcement was particularly notable. Among her games team-mates are such noted figures as athletes Nick Willis and Valerie Adams, cyclist Hayden Roulson and swimmer Moss Burmeister. All would have been outstanding choices as team captain.

But van Dyk is a bit special. Her unfailing good sportsmanship, the fact that she has been the world’s most famous netballer for a decade yet still sets demanding standards for herself, and her willingness to be “just” another member of the New Zealand team are three reasons why Currie’s choice was so popular.

Currie said the idea team captain had a long and successful Commonwealth Games history, had the potential to do well in the current games and was the sort of personality who could inspire team-mates, someone they would be happy to go into battle behind. Van Dyk ticks every box.

The welcoming ceremony was memorable for many other reasons, too. Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand spoke well, as he always does. And the sons of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, who conquered Mt Everest on May 29, 1953, both spoke. They invoked their fathers’ historic feat while wishing current New Zealand team members well in their games endeavours.

The New Zealand Games team has as its motto 29028 – the height in feet of Mt Everest when Hillary and Norgay climbed it. Currie mentioned the problems the New Zealand advance contingent had encountered, especially with the facilities in the village. He said that at one point he was not sure this evening’s function would even arrive. “But that’s all behind us now,” he said, paying tribute to Indian officials who recognised the seriousness of the situation (with sub-standard conditions) and the work of the young volunteers and games staff who fixed it.

The village itself is a microcosm of Delhi. Parts of it are beautifully groomed, colourful and joyous. Other parts are unfinished, or certainly rough around the edges. But that’s Delhi and it would be absurd to expect anything different.

It should not be forgotten that Indians comprise more than 90 per cent of the Commonwealth population, so for a tiny minority to be too emphatic about imposing their will can easily seem arrogant. Delhi is a vast, sprawling city with much poverty evident and naturally there are millions who live here who have other things to worry about than the Commonwealth Games. But nevertheless there is a clearly evident sense of excitement that after all the problems leading up to the festival, including security, health and village accommodation, it is about to begin.

My feeling is that the Indians will do it their way, with colour, some style…and not too much haste. An abiding memory from this evening’s New Zealand team function was the performance of the Indian schoolchildren who worked for a month to choreograph and rehearse a specially-tailored dancing performance that a professional group would have been proud of.

It that’s a taste of what’s to come, roll on the games.

Sons of Sir Ed and Tenzing Inspire Team
03 October 10
The son’s 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 father’s achievements, speaking of teamwork, participation, ambition and dedication. “After six attempts, six failures, my father kept going,” said Jamling Norgay. “He never gave up.” “It’s about the person within,” said Sir Ed’s son, Peter. “It’s hear, lung, psyche and it’s 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 son’s 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.

Irene van Dyk to Lead Team
03 October 10
One of New Zealand’s favourite athletes has been chosen to carry the flag at the Delhi Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. An overwhelmed van Dyk accepted the offer to carry the flag this evening at a ceremony welcoming the team to India. Irene was chosen for her both her personal qualities and sporting achievements. Chef de Mission Dave Currie told her team mates that Irene had those characteristics that New Zealanders were most proud of. “Its grit, determination and resourcefulness,” said Currie. “Irene has all of these qualities but carries them with a touch of humility and a good sense of humour.” Irene was also selected for her sporting achievements. Delhi will be her fourth Commonwealth Games and she is a gold and silver medal holder. Her second game will be her 100th match for New Zealand. This will make her New Zealand’s most capped netball player. Currie said asking Irene to be the flagbearer was one of the highlights of his career. “Her reaction was just amazing. She was genuinely overcome and had a tear in her eye.” Irene was named flagbearer as part of a ceremony to welcome the team to India.

ENDS

© Scoop Media