Wellington Couple Join All Black Squad

21 July 2004

WELLINGTON COUPLE JOIN ALL BLACK SQUAD FOR TRI-NATIONS TEST

Wellington couple Luke and Michelle Keedwell will be getting as close to All Black action as any fan ever has this weekend, watching Saturday's Tri-Nations Test in Christchurch on the bench - traditionally where only All Black team members sit.

The couple won the honour after Luke Keedwell bought a new adidas tracksuit top from Stirling Sports [Willis Street, Wellington], which entitled him to enter a competition held by All Black sponsor adidas.

The sideline test seating is only part of the adidas prize Luke and Michelle will enjoy which includes: return tickets from Wellington to Christchurch; full adidas kit; a personal team invitation to the Friday morning's Captain's Run; two nights accommodation at the All Blacks hotel - Heritage Christchurch; attendance at adidas' pre-match function and New Zealand Rugby Union's after-match function; photo with the team in the changing shed after the game and a signed match ball; escorted airport transfers and spending money.

A dedicated All Black supporter, Keedwell, who works for Lower Hutt firm Melbar Engineering, said he couldn't believe his luck when he heard All Blacks Coach Graham Henry announce him as the competition winner on 91ZM's breakfast show on Monday morning.

"I thought well - I've entered this competition - so I might as well listen to the radio. When I heard Graham [Henry] announce my name, I couldn't believe it. Michelle and I are absolutely rapt, it's a chance in a lifetime for us, not even winning lotto would give us the opportunity to sit on the bench with the All Blacks and visit their changing sheds.

"My friends and workmates think it's perfect that I won the competition as all I ever wear is adidas gear."

adidas Marketing Manager, Craig Waugh, said the competition encouraging All Black fans to 'Make the All Blacks Squad for the 2nd Philips Tri-Nations test' had captured the imagination of many supporters, receiving a higher than expected number of entries.

"Sitting on the bench at a test match and entering the shed after the game is a once in a lifetime experience. We're thrilled to be able to offer clearly passionate All Black supporters such as Luke and Michelle the chance to enjoy that experience."

Luke and Michelle fly to Christchurch on Friday morning where they will be met by members of adidas' management team, who will host them for the duration of their visit.

ENDS

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