Opportunity for residents to congratulate Olympians

With Hamilton still enjoying the afterglow of regional teams’ netball and rugby success, the city’s residents now have a chance to offer their congratulations to New Zealand’s London 2012 Olympic team.

The New Zealand team claimed 13 medals at the London games, with the Waikato region strongly represented through the feats of the Cambridge-based rowers and equestrian riders and Hamilton javelin thrower Stuart Farquhar.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says the New Zealanders’ performances at the Games were fantastic, and Hamilton City Council has arranged for several cards to be distributed at Council-owned facilities so members of the public can pass on their congratulations to the Olympians.

“The Olympic Games were another great source of pride for the region. We want Hamiltonians to have an opportunity to send their wishes and congratulations,” Mayor Hardaker says.

The cards will then be bound into a book, and presented to the New Zealand Olympic team as part of the region’s Olympic celebrations. Waipa District Council is working with Rowing NZ in planning a festive Olympic street parade in Cambridge towards the end of September.

People who would like to sign the cards in Hamilton can do so at:

• Hamilton Public Libraries
• Hamilton Zoo
• Waterworld
• Gallagher Aquatic Centre

Waipa District Council Mayor Alan Livingston agrees the region has a lot to be proud of: “We are very fortunate that the full equestrian eventing bronze medal team will be visiting Cambridge on the afternoon of Wednesday, 22 August. The public are encouraged to attend to recognise their outstanding achievement and celebrate this Olympic success.”

The team, including seven-time Olympic Games icons Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson, will be at the Cambridge Town Hall for a civic welcome commencing at 2pm.

“It will be the perfect opportunity to show Waikato's support and congratulations to these outstanding achievers and ambassadors.  As well, it provides time to include our local Paralympians in the parade,” says Mayor Livingston.