Sailing Team named for 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games

28 May 2014

Sailing Team named for 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games

Yachting New Zealand is delighted to announce that three young New Zealand sailors have been selected by the New Zealand Olympic Committee to attend the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games on from 16 – 28 August at Lake Jinniu, Nanjing in China.

Representing New Zealand in windsurfing and single-handed sailing the kiwi sailing team to attend the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games includes two boys and one girl.

The New Zealand sailors are…
• Alastair Gifford – Boy’s single-handed class, Byte CII
15 years old from the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, Picton
• Finn Croft – Boy’s windsurfer- class, Techno 293
16 years old from Manly Sailing Club and Takapuna Boating Club, Auckland
• Coral Headey - Girls windsurfer- class, Techno 293
15 years old from Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club, Tauranga

“These sailors are currently campaigning in youth classes and this event will provide them with a taste of what the Olympic Games are all about,” says Ian Neely, YNZ Talent Development Manager. “It’s a really great opportunity for them and I know they are very excited.”

Just one spot per country is available and those spots were earned through results. Finn, Alastair and Coral won their country qualification spots at their Oceania Championships; held in Manly, North Shore for the Techno 293 and Brisbane for the Byte CII.

They will be supported by legendary New Zealand windsurfer and double Olympic medallist Bruce Kendall, MBE who will travel to China with the group as coach.

Neely comments; “It’s fantastic that Bruce can find the time to lead the team because he has a wealth of experience in Olympic sailing and brings huge enthusiasm when coaching New Zealand’s young sailors.

The sailing team will fly out of New Zealand together with the entire New Zealand team to attend the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games on 12th August 2014.

Racing begins for our sailors on Lake Jinniu on 18th August with registration, practice and the official opening ceremony preceding that. Finals are scheduled for 23rd August although the 24th is allocated as a reserve day if required.

For more information about the Youth Olympic Games in Lake Jinniu, Nanjing, China visit the official website.

ENDS

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