Christchurch Amercia’s Cup Parade a success

Wednesday 12 July 2017

“We’re so humbled and so proud as kiwis and incredibly grateful for you coming out today, we just love bringing this cup down here to Christchurch” – that was the message from Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton to the thousands of fans who packed into central Christchurch today to celebrate the team’s success with a very loud and enthusiastic welcome.

The Victory Parade was accompanied by young people from seven local Yachting Clubs and rousing tunes from St Andrew’s College Pipe Band.

Outside the Christchurch Art Gallery at the end of the Parade, Dalton thanked local fans for their incredible support. Christchurch team members, cyclor Joe Sullivan and engineer Luke McAllum spoke of their pride in bringing the Amercia’s Cup to their hometown.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said Christchurch was ‘bursting with pride’ to welcome the team to Christchurch.

“We’ve turned out in our thousands to show our support for Emirates Team New Zealand. It takes more than a little cold weather to stop us from demonstrating how very proud we are of what the team has achieved, how they’ve made us feel and what a strong following they have here in Christchurch.”

Local innovation played an integral part in steering Aotearoa across the finish line in Bermuda – the boat’s wheel was designed and constructed in Christchurch by Milton Bloomfield of Dynamic Composites, who also attended the Parade.

“It’s fantastic to think that a piece of local innovation was used on the boat and guided the team to victory,” said Dalziel.

ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Tom Hooper said the Parade created a real sense of excitement.

“We’ve seen the whole central city hit pause; businesses, families, visitors and construction workers have all come out to cheer on Emirates Team New Zealand.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped make today’s Parade such a success – local businesses, suppliers, sponsors, organisers, volunteers and everyone who came along. Christchurch has pulled together to deliver a really memorable event.”

ENDS

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