Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister

MP for Mt Albert

4 April 2018

PM sends best wishes of the nation to Kiwi athletes

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sent her warm wishes to the New Zealand athletes preparing for the opening of the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast tonight.

“This is an historic games for New Zealand with our largest-ever contingent of athletes, and it’s historic for the Games itself as, for the first time, an equal number of events will be held for women as for men.

“It’s also fantastic that para athletes – including our flag bearer Sophie Pascoe - are competing as part of the main games and that women’s rugby sevens will be competing for the first time.

“There is so much to be proud of in our diverse and talented team and real reason to hope that this new generation of athletes will continue to add to the amazing sporting achievements made at past Commonwealth Games.

“I’m excited to be joining the thousands who’ll be watching in Brisbane on Saturday and the millions more who’ll tune in from across the world.

“I want to let our athletes know that my best wishes, and those of our country, are right behind you all,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Jacinda Ardern travels to Brisbane next Friday and will meet athletes on Saturday before attending the games and the evening NZ team medal celebration.

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